Al Merrikh crowned Sudan champions after Al Hilal stripped of league title

Al Merrikh SC have been crowned champions of the 2025-26 Sudan Premier League after rivals Al Hilal SC were stripped of the title for fielding more foreign players than permitted in the league's championship-deciding match.

The Sudan Football Association (SFA) ruled that Al Hilal breached the league’s player eligibility regulations during the title showdown played on July 10, 2026.

Although Al Hilal had won the match 1-0 thanks to a goal from Emmanuel Flomo, the result was later overturned following a formal complaint lodged by Al Merrikh.

According to the complaint, Al Hilal fielded eight foreign players, exceeding the maximum of five allowed under Sudan Premier League regulations.

After reviewing the case, the SFA's Arbitration Committee found Al Hilal guilty of violating the competition rules.

As a result, the governing body awarded Al Hilal a 2-0 defeat by default and removed the three points they had earned from the match.

The decision reshaped the final championship standings, with Al Merrikh finishing top of the playoff table on 21 points, while Al Hilal dropped to second place with 18 points, surrendering the league title.

Despite the verdict, Al Hilal rejected the ruling, arguing that the body which issued the decision lacked the legal authority to do so.

The club announced that it will appeal to higher football authorities in an effort to overturn the decision and reclaim the championship.

The ruling hands Al Merrikh their 36th Sudan Premier League title, further cementing the club’s status as one of the most successful teams in African football.

Coached by Darko Nović, Al Merrikh enjoyed another memorable campaign and added yet another domestic crown to an already glittering trophy collection.

Founded in 1908 and based in Omdurman, Al Merrikh SC is one of Sudan’s oldest and most decorated football clubs.

Nicknamed ‘The Red Devils’, the club has won 36 Sudan Premier League titles, numerous Sudan Cups, and has regularly represented Sudan in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, reaching the latter stages of continental competitions on several occasions.

Al Hilal SC, founded in 1930 and also based in Omdurman, remains Al Merrikh’s fiercest rival.

Known as ‘The Blue Wave’, Al Hilal is historically Sudan’s most successful club, having won more than 30 Sudan Premier League titles along with several Sudan Cups.

The club has also established itself as a regular participant in the CAF Champions League, reaching the final twice and the semi-finals on multiple occasions.

The fierce rivalry between Al Hilal and Al Merrikh, commonly known as the Omdurman Derby, is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest football rivalries, attracting passionate support across Sudan and beyond.