Male' Maldives: Super United Sports (SUS) has withdrawn from the Maldives Premier League, prompting the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to promote New Radiant Sports Club (NRSC) as the third team from the second division to fill the vacant spot in the top tier.
SUS announced on May 23 that it would be unable to compete in the first division due to financial difficulties. Following this decision, FAM imposed a fine of MVR 200,000 on SUS and relegated the club to the third division, in line with Rule 12.2 of the 2025/26 competition rules.
With SUS out, the governing body assessed the results of the previous second division tournament.
Odi Sports Club and Victory Sports had already earned promotion by reaching the final. Since no third-place match was held, the FAM committee reviewed the semi-final results and performances across the tournament, confirming NRSC as the third promoted team.
The decision has stirred controversy, with some sources suggesting SUS’s withdrawal may be linked to a deal benefiting NRSC.
The committee that approved NRSC’s promotion also included figures linked to the club, such as PNC MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kappi) and WAMCO managing director Mujthaba Jaleel (Muje), who serves as FAM vice-chairmen. Both didnt take part in the exco meeting.
The committee has imposed a fine of MVR 200,000 on SUS and sanctioned the club with relegation to the third division.
NRSC’s history with FAM has been turbulent. The club was suspended in 2019 for failing to pay player salaries, a decision later upheld by FIFA and FAM Congress. After avoiding suspension in 2022, NRSC returned to competition but failed to secure promotion on sporting merit.
Looking ahead to the new season, NRSC has strengthened its squad. Former national team coach Ali Suzain has been appointed head coach, while star players Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey) and Ali Fasir (Senté) have rejoined the club. Other notable signings include Mohammad Irfuan (Ire), Hasan Raaif Ahmed (Hanna), Ahunaf Rashid (Ahukko), and Hasan Raaid.
