ABU DHABI // Fernando Baiano returned to training with Al Wahda last night for the first time in more than a week after having been released from police custody. His work, however, was confined to fitness sessions on the sidelines.
The 31-year-old Brazilian forward was heavily punished for his involvement in a car accident in Abu Dhabi. He was in police custody for a week, had his driving licence suspended and was fined Dh27,000 before being released on Sunday.
Despite his return to training with the squad, huge question marks remain over the South American’s future at the club. He is unlikely to be considered for Wahda’s league game against Sharjah at home on Friday and no Wahda officials were willing to comment.
A spokesman for the club said they were given clear instructions not to speak to the media until the club management had made a decision.
Baiano has a three-year contract until July 2012, but with the winter transfer window open next month, his time at the club looks to be over.
Josef Hickersberger, the coach, has already voiced his displeasure with Baiano, saying last month he was not fit enough to play 90 minutes.
Baiano, who was driving a Lamborghini, and Salem Masoud, the Al Jazira player, 22, in a BMW X6, collided in the early hours of the morning on Sheikh Zayed Bridge heading into Abu Dhabi on November 29. A taxi was also involved.
Masoud was also expected to link up with the Pro League champions. He was released from police custody the same day as Baiano, had his driving licence suspended for three months and was fined Dh23,000.
Jazira will resume training tonight and when asked if Masoud would be considered for a place in the match day squad, a spokesman for the club said: “Only Franky Vercauteren, the coach, could answer that question.
"The coach will address the media ahead of the team’s training, so it would be him who will be able to answer Salem’s future with the team."
apassela@thenational.ae
