National Team Coach Istavan Urbaani Hints at Post-SAFF Championship Departure

Rajje national team coach Istavan Urbaani indicated today that he plans to step down from the coaching role after the SAFF Championship to focus on his responsibilities as technical director. Urbaani, 58, took charge of the national team in January alongside his duties as technical director. He has contributed significantly to Maldivian football, having previously served as national team coach twice and being the first coach to bring positive changes to the team. Since his recent appointment, the national team's only significant victory under him was against Timor Leste. Speaking to the media at Bashanda Kings Arena in Bangladesh, Urbaani stated that this appears to be his last SAFF Championship. He said, "This is my fourth SAFF. It seems likely that this will be my last SAFF." When asked for reasoning, Urbaani explained that he is not thinking much about coaching and has many other things to attend to. He noted that assistant coach Sobah Muhammad and other coaches are being brought in because he does not wish to remain constantly involved in that capacity. However, he stated he cannot leave until the work outlined in his agreement with the Maldives is completed, and since his contract is for the technical director position, he can advise the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) on finding a new coach. Urbaani clarified he is not speaking about leaving the country.