MAWC Honours Maldivian Football Legends with FIFA World Cup Match Ball Ceremony

Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC), the authorised bottler of The Coca-Cola Company in the Maldives, has honoured some of the nation’s most celebrated former footballers by presenting them with official FIFA World Cup 2026™ match balls signed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match Ball Handover Ceremony was held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, recognising former national team players whose achievements and dedication have played a pivotal role in the development of football in the Maldives.

The event celebrated the contributions of football pioneers who helped shape the sport locally and inspired generations of athletes and supporters. Each recipient received an official FIFA World Cup 2026™ match ball personally signed by the President as a tribute to their service to Maldivian football.

Speaking at the ceremony, MAWC Chief Operating Officer Milind Derasari said the recognition reflects the company's commitment to celebrating sporting excellence and preserving the legacy of those who have contributed to the country's football history.

“Maldives’ football legends have given generations of supporters moments of pride and have played an important role in shaping the country’s sporting history. At MAWC, we believe recognising their contribution is as important as supporting the next generation,” Derasari said.

He added that through Coca-Cola’s long-standing partnership with FIFA and collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, MAWC was honoured to recognise the achievements of the country's football icons.

The ceremony also highlighted Coca-Cola’s enduring relationship with world football. The company has been an official FIFA partner since 1974, making it one of the longest-running partnerships in global sport. Through MAWC, that global connection continues to support football engagement and development in the Maldives.

Adding to the FIFA World Cup excitement, MAWC recently concluded its nationwide FIFA World Cup 2026™ consumer promotion, which ran from 21 March to 24 May. The campaign rewarded eight winners with all-expenses-paid trips for two to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match, while hundreds of consumers received Coca-Cola merchandise and other prizes.

As the sole authorised Coca-Cola bottler in the Maldives for more than three decades, MAWC said it remains committed to supporting sports development through strategic partnerships, community initiatives and programmes that promote greater participation in sports across the country.

The match ball handover ceremony served as both a celebration of football's past and a reaffirmation of efforts to inspire future generations of Maldivian athletes.