Pres. Muizzu's son joins New Radiant Sports Club amid growing controversy
Umair Mohamed Muizzu, 18-year-old son of the Maldives President, has joined New Radiant Sports Club after months of speculation. Club Chairman Ahmed Mubeen defended the move on social media, stating Umair is a talented athlete and part of efforts to develop a youth B squad. The President's family business sponsors New Radiant and other football clubs.
During FIFA President Infantino's visit to Maldives: President Muizzu (R), Vice President Hussain (C) and President Muizzu's son Umair (L)
Umair Mohamed Muizzu, the son of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has officially joined New Radiant Sports Club, one of the most prominent football clubs in the Maldives.
His registration comes after months of speculation about his potential move to the club, with rumors circulating in the media for some time.
At just 18 years old, Umair has already started training with the team, which has been actively working to strengthen its squad under new management.
As part of these efforts, New Radiant has been recruiting new talent to enhance their lineup.
In response to growing media attention and concerns over Umair’s involvement, New Radiant’s Chairman Ahmed Mubeen, took to social media to defend the move.
Mubeen challenged the suggestion that being the President’s son should disqualify Umair from participating in sports, questioning whether professional journalism now required personal animosity to remain relevant.
He praised Umair as a talented athlete and reiterated the club’s commitment to developing youth talent.
Mubeen also clarified that New Radiant is in the process of forming a 'B' squad, specifically aimed at nurturing young players. Despite critical media coverage, he emphasized that the club's long-term vision for player development would continue undeterred.
In his post, Mubeen remarked that Umair is a talented young player and that New Radiant is working on establishing a 'B' squad specifically for developing youth talent. He noted that the team would not halt efforts to build New Radiant SC because of such articles.
Mubeen further highlighted that Umair is just one of many young players currently training with the club, inviting the media to visit and learn more about the various athletes involved in their programs.
It’s worth noting that "Damietta," a brand operated by President Muizzu’s family business, Dhimyaath Private Limited, is a sponsor of New Radiant. Damietta has also provided sponsorship to several other first-division football clubs.
Umair’s connection to football is not new. In September, during FIFA President Gianni Infantino's visit to the Maldives, Umair played for President Muizzu’s team in a friendly match against Infantino’s side at the Galolhu National Stadium.
