Nine-time UAE League champions Al Ain have sacked their German coach Winfried Schaefer, they revealed today.

The decision, announced on the club's website, came just less than 24 hours after Al Ain suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Al Wahda in the Abu Dhabi derby.

"The club administration decided to sack coach Schaefer and his assistant staff," said the club statement. "We will announce the name of the new coach in the coming hours.

"Al Ain club would like to appreciate the work of coach Schaefer with the first team and we wish him all the best in his coaching career."

The 59-year-old coach joined Al Ain in 2007 from their league rivals Al Ahli and he led the team to three titles in the Etisalat Cup and the UAE President's Cup last season in addition to UAE Super Cup earlier this season.