Al-Merrikh granted historic permission to compete in both Sudanese and Libyan top leagues
Sudanese giants Al-Merrikh SC will make history next season after receiving approval to compete in the 2025–2026 Libyan Premier League while still playing in their domestic championship.
The Sudanese Football Association (SFA) confirmed its decision in an official letter sent to the Libyan Football Association (LFF) on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in African football, reflecting deepening collaboration between Sudanese and Libyan sporting authorities.
Al-Merrikh, one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, will now represent Sudanese football on two fronts.
The club intends to participate fully in both the Sudanese Premier League and the Libyan top flight, becoming one of the few teams on the continent to compete in two national championships simultaneously.
The club’s leadership welcomed the decision as an opportunity to elevate its sporting ambitions and financial profile.
Club officials believe the move will provide players with increased exposure, higher competition standards, and enhanced commercial prospects.
Competing in Libya could also help attract new sponsors and strengthen the club’s international presence.
Al-Merrikh confirmed that participation in Libya will not affect its domestic commitments.
The Sudanese Premier League will begin in January 2026, allowing the Omdurman-based side to defend its title at home while embracing new challenges abroad.
Club officials stressed their commitment to maintaining strong performances in both competitions and assured fans that squad depth and planning will ensure readiness for the demanding season ahead.
The decision holds wider significance for African football governance. Very few clubs across the continent have ever competed in two national leagues simultaneously, making Al-Merrikh’s case a rare and potentially precedent-setting example.
Football analysts believe the move could encourage greater regional cooperation and open doors for similar cross-border arrangements in the future.
For Sudanese football, Al-Merrikh’s dual participation could boost the country’s reputation on the continental stage.
The club already holds a strong record in domestic and CAF competitions, and this new chapter could enhance its visibility and prestige across North Africa.
Libyan football authorities also see the decision as a positive step. Welcoming one of Sudan’s most successful clubs into their league will not only raise the competitive level but also strengthen ties between the two footballing nations.
The collaboration may pave the way for future joint initiatives, including club exchanges, development programs, and cross-border competitions.
Fans in both countries have expressed excitement over the news, anticipating intense fixtures and new rivalries.
For Al-Merrikh supporters, the chance to see their team compete against some of Libya’s strongest sides represents a fresh chapter in the club’s storied history.
As preparations for the 2025–2026 season intensify, Al-Merrikh’s management has begun planning logistics, including travel schedules and squad rotations, to meet the challenges of dual participation.
The club aims to remain competitive on both fronts and to prove that African teams can succeed even under demanding circumstances.
This groundbreaking decision not only reshapes Al-Merrikh’s future but could also influence the evolution of club football in Africa. By breaking new ground, the Omdurman powerhouse is setting a bold example of how collaboration can push the boundaries of the game on the continent.
