MAWC honours Maldives football legends with FIFA World Cup 2026 match balls
Male’ Aerated Water Company (MAWC), the authorised bottler of The Coca-Cola Company in the Maldives, on Thursday hosted the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Match Ball Handover Ceremony, presenting Football Legends of Maldives with official FIFA World Cup 2026™ match balls signed personally by Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives.
Held in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, the ceremony recognised former national footballers whose achievements, service and influence have helped shape football in the Maldives and inspired generations of players and supporters.
The Coca-Cola Company has been an official partner of FIFA since 1974, making it one of the longest-standing partnerships in the global sport. For MAWC, the handover brought that global partnership to life locally by connecting the FIFA World Cup with people who have contributed to Maldivian football history.
As the sole authorised Coca-Cola bottler in the Maldives for over 35 years, MAWC has supported local sport through partnerships, campaigns and community initiatives. The ceremony continued that commitment by recognising the legacy of players who represented the Maldives and contributed to the growth of football in the country.
“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. Through our partnership with Coca-Cola and FIFA, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, we are honoured to celebrate their legacy. These match balls are a token of our appreciation for what they have given to Maldivian football,” said Milind Derasari, Chief Operating Officer, MAWC.
Adding to the excitement of the football season, MAWC ran a nationwide FIFA World Cup 2026™ consumer promotion from 21 March to 24 May 2026. Eight winners received an all-expenses-paid experience for two to attend a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match. Hundreds more won Coca-Cola branded merchandise and other prizes during the campaign, bringing the excitement of the world’s largest football tournament to consumers across the Maldives.
MAWC remains committed to building partnerships that support the development of sports across the Maldives, working with the Government of Maldives and other partners.
