Ali Suzain steps down as Maldives coach after poor results

Maldives national football team coach Ali Suzain has confirmed his departure following a string of poor performances, including the recent 1–0 defeat to Timor-Leste in the Asian Cup qualifiers.

Suzain announced his exit in a social media post shortly after the match and said “My work with this team is over.”

He described his tenure as “an honour and a pleasure,” during one of the most challenging periods in the national team’s history. He also apologized to Maldivian football fans, calling the result against Timor-Leste who do not have a FIFA-standard stadium “very poor.”

Suzain’s contract covered the opening fixtures of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, including the 4–1 loss to the Philippines in March and Saturday’s defeat to Timor-Leste in Australia. His term officially ended with the latter match.

A long-time figure in Maldivian football, Suzain has served in various capacities within the national team, including stints as interim coach. He was first appointed head coach during the 2021 SAFF Championship, and again after the departure of Italian coach Francesco Moriero following the 2023 SAFF Championship.

Despite having previously criticised FAM and football governance, Suzain joined the association in 2020 and worked as assistant coach under Dutchman Martin Koopman, later stepping up to lead the side when Moriero’s contract ended.

Under his leadership, Maldives played 14 matches, winning three; two against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka during the 2021 SAFF Championship, and a friendly win over Bangladesh last year. The team has lost its last five matches.

FAM had initially announced plans to recruit a new coach for the SAFF Championship, expected to be held this month. However, after the tournament was postponed, those plans were shelved, and Suzain was retained until the end of the current campaign.

Suzain offered support for his successor and wished them the best.