Former Everton star and long-time MLS manager Adrian Heath has spoken publicly for the first time about a terrifying kidnapping ordeal in Morocco that left him fearing for his life. The 65-year-old was lured to North Africa in November 2024 by what he believed was a final interview for a coaching role in the Saudi Pro League, only to be abducted by an organised criminal gang.
The 'phantom job' scam saw Heath met at the airport by three men who drove him to a remote harbour town. In a smoke-filled, sparsely-furnished apartment, the mood quickly turned hostile. One captor brandished a large knife and told Heath: 'You're going to send us money... and if you don't, you won't see your wife again. You won't see your kids and your grandkids.'
His captors took his wallet and phone and demanded he call his wife Jane to request a transfer of a six-figure sum. Thinking quickly, Heath explained it was the middle of the night in the United States, delaying the transaction. When morning came, he made the call under duress, but Jane – alerted by his tone – said the bank account had changed and she could not transfer money without him.
The kidnappers, enraged, ended the call. Jane immediately contacted the FBI, triggering an international rescue effort. Crucially, the family was able to locate Heath because the kidnappers had neglected to switch off the location services on his phone. Heath continued to negotiate, telling his captors: 'Listen, I don't know how this is going to end up, but bottom line, you're not getting any money.'
After two days, authorities secured his release. Reflecting on the nightmare, Heath said he had been thinking of ways to 'string it out' to buy time. The ordeal, which remained private until now, serves as a stark reminder that even high-profile sports figures are vulnerable to such crimes.
