LONDON: Arsenal confirmed the appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director on Sunday.
The 53-year-old Italian, who spent 12 years with Atletico Madrid before leaving in January, succeeds former Arsenal midfielder Edu in the role.
Edu left the post in November, with his deputy Jason Ayto appointed interim sporting director.
Berta, who has a background in banking, held roles with Italian sides Parma and Genoa before joining Spanish team Atletico, initially as technical director, in 2013.
During his time with the Diego Simeone-managed club, the team won two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and Europa League, as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
“I am delighted to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,” said Berta. “I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone in to re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.”
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke added: “Anyone who knows football knows Andrea is an impressive figure. He has vast knowledge of the game, a great track record, a strong network and an insatiable desire to build winning teams.”
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Arsenal confirm Andrea Berta to replace Edu as sporting director at Premier League club
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Arsenal confirm Andrea Berta to replace Edu as sporting director at Premier League club
- Edu left the post in November, with his deputy Jason Ayto appointed interim sporting director
UAE and Iraq draw 1-1 in first leg of 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff
- Teams will travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra for Tuesday’s return match in the fifth round of Asian qualifying
- Winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff round in March, when six teams from five confederations will compete for two World Cup spots
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates: The United Arab Emirates and Iraq drew 1-1 Thursday in the first leg of their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff in Abu Dhabi.
The teams will travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra for Tuesday’s return match in the fifth round of Asian qualifying.
The winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff round in March, when six teams from five confederations will compete for two spots at next summer’s expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In front of a sellout crowd of 36,000 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Iraq — whose only World Cup appearance came in 1986 — took the lead after just 10 minutes.
The UAE defense failed to clear a long free kick into the area, allowing the ball to drop to Ali Al-Hamadi. The Luton forward hooked home from close range to give Iraq, coached by former Australia manager Graham Arnold, a 1-0 lead.
It lasted only eight minutes. Brazilian-born forward Luanzinho powered a header into the bottom corner to pull the UAE level as the home side chased its first World Cup appearance since 1990.
The UAE nearly grabbed a late winner in stoppage time, but Caio Lucas’ header was ruled out for offside.
The teams will travel to the Iraqi port city of Basra for Tuesday’s return match in the fifth round of Asian qualifying.
The winner will then advance to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff round in March, when six teams from five confederations will compete for two spots at next summer’s expanded 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In front of a sellout crowd of 36,000 at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Iraq — whose only World Cup appearance came in 1986 — took the lead after just 10 minutes.
The UAE defense failed to clear a long free kick into the area, allowing the ball to drop to Ali Al-Hamadi. The Luton forward hooked home from close range to give Iraq, coached by former Australia manager Graham Arnold, a 1-0 lead.
It lasted only eight minutes. Brazilian-born forward Luanzinho powered a header into the bottom corner to pull the UAE level as the home side chased its first World Cup appearance since 1990.
The UAE nearly grabbed a late winner in stoppage time, but Caio Lucas’ header was ruled out for offside.
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