Chelsea Teen Makes Senior Debut, Al Ahli Search For New Coach And F1 Keeps Qatar-Abu Dhabi Finale

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From Chelsea’s latest academy breakthrough to Al Ahli’s coaching search and Formula 1’s Middle East calendar update, there’s plenty happening across sport. Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has made his senior debut for Chelsea at just 16, Al Ahli are looking for a new head coach after Matthias Jaissle’s resignation, and F1 says the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain on the 2026 calendar for now.

Al Ahli Search For New Coach After Jaissle Exit

What Is It About
Al Ahli are searching for a new head coach after Matthias Jaissle resigned, with the German expected to take over at Newcastle United following Eddie Howe’s departure. According to Al Riyadiyah, the Saudi club’s leading candidates include Xavi Hernández, Vítor Pereira and Nuno Espírito Santo.

Why It Matters
Jaissle leaves behind a huge job after leading Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles. His successor will inherit one of Asia’s strongest squads ahead of the new Saudi Pro League season.

What’s Next
Sérgio Conceição remains a backup option if talks with the main trio do not progress. Former Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was also approached, but Fabrizio Romano reported that he prefers to continue coaching in Europe. No appointment has been officially announced by Al Ahli.

Chelsea Teen Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli Makes Senior Debut

What Is It About
Chelsea teenager Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has officially taken his first step into senior football. The 16-year-old made his first-team debut during Chelsea’s pre-season win over Western Sydney Wanderers in his hometown of Sydney, after being with the club since he was scouted at just six years old.

Why It Matters
Nicoll-Jazuli is one of Chelsea’s fastest-rising academy talents. The versatile midfielder has already become the club’s youngest-ever starter and goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League, and has earned praise from both manager Xabi Alonso and teammate Cole Palmer.

What’s Next
His international future could also become a major story. Born to an Australian mother and a Sudanese father, Nicoll-Jazuli currently represents England at youth level but remains eligible to play senior football for England, Australia, Sudan and France.

Qatar And Abu Dhabi Grands Prix Remain On 2026 Calendar

What Is It About
Formula 1 says the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain scheduled despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali confirmed both races are still on the calendar, with Qatar set for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6.

Why It Matters
The update brings some stability to the final part of the season after major disruption elsewhere in the region. Formula 1 previously relocated the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia and cancelled the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix because of the conflict.

What’s Next
Organisers will reassess the situation in mid-September. If conditions do not improve, Formula 1 could move the championship finale to Europe instead, but for now Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain in place.

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