Urbányi returns as National coach with additional technical director duties

Hungarian coach István Urbányi has been reappointed as the head coach of the Maldives national football team, also taking on the significant role of Technical Director for the Football Association of Maldives (FAM). 

This appointment marks the third time the veteran Hungarian has led the national team, a move confirmed by the FAM Executive Committee to revitalize the country's footballing standards.

In an interview given during "Mihaaru"'s coverage of the last SAFF Championship, Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) praised István Urbányi’s technical expertise. Speaking in July 2023, Tom highlighted that Urbányi not only strives to implement an attractive style of play on the field but also places significant importance on the discipline of players off the field.

Urbányi maintains close professional ties within the Maldivian football circuit but his influence in the Maldives remains evident. The current coach of Victory SC, Gergely Geri, is a close friend of his.

Last October, Victory SC’s management revealed they had initially tried to recruit him as their head coach, but he was unable to commit at that time. Instead, Urbányi recommended his close associate, Slovakian coach Gergely Geri, who currently leads Victory SC. 

While a specific arrival date has not yet been announced, Urbányi's dual role as Head Coach and Technical Director is seen as a strategic move by President Thoriq to bring back a coach who prioritizes both on-field aesthetics and off-field discipline.