Pressure mounts on Steven Gerrard after Al Ettifaq suffer another defeat in SPL

Steven Gerrard had another difficult outing as manager in the Saudi Pro League as Al Ettifaq suffered a demoralising defeat at home against Al Qadisiyah.

On Saturday, first-half goals from Gaston Alvarez and Julian Quinones handed Gerrard's team their fourth defeat in the league from nine games, pushing them down to 11th position in the standings.

Murmurs around Liverpool great Gerrard's future in Saudi football have been growing louder. Reports emerged of discontent over his team's performances which Gerrard recently addressed.

"On the back of recent results in my position you are always aware of disappointment from fans. I have to take that responsibility on my shoulders," Gerrard had said.

"That is what I will do and continue to fight and work to improve the recent results. I don't react, change or get overly concerned about social media or anyone on the outside of Ettifaq's opinion. My priority is this club."

"I meet (club chief) Mr Hatem (Al Misehal) after every game and we talk football, where it is a win, loss or draw. We have fantastic support, myself, the staff and the players from the management team.

"We did meet but we meet after every single game."

However, the latest result is sure to add pressure on Gerrard and team management. After the defeat to Al Qadisiyah, Gerrard was jeered by the home crowd.

Julian Quinones of Al Qadisiyah celebrates scoring his team's second goal against Al Ettifaq. Getty Images

Following the loss, Gerrard accepted blame for the latest setback.

"We conceded the first goal from a set piece. Previously, we used to defend better from set pieces. The second goal was scored by a young player. The player is young, and I bear responsibility for the second goal. I bear full responsibility for using a young player in defence, as he has little experience," Gerrard said after the match.

What has added to the drama is speculation about the possibility of an opening at Scottish club Rangers, where manager Philippe Clement is also under pressure after a poor start to the season. Gerrard had earlier agreed a contract extension at Al Ettifaq until at least 2027.

Also, Gerrard kicked up a storm recently on a podcast where he seemed to suggest that he arranged team training sessions in a way that allows him to watch Liverpool matches.

Gerrard issued a clarification saying that his loyalty remains with Ettifaq.

"I want to make it abundantly clear my priority is Ettifaq, I have a contract with Ettifaq and I am in a real privileged position," he said.

Zayed Sustainability Prize

Clean water and solar homes: Zayed prize finalists present sustainability solutions

What is the Zayed Sustainability Prize?

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.

8. Pillar 2 implementation

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Three ways to get a gratitude glow

By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.

During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.