Three Sudanese clubs: Al-Merrikh SC, Al Hilal SC Omdurman and Al Ahli SC Wad Madani, have been cleared to compete in the Rwanda Premier League following the suspension of football activities in Sudan due to the ongoing civil war.

The Sudan Premier League has been halted since April 2023, prompting the clubs to seek temporary relocation. All three submitted applications to Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA), which has now granted approval.

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Al-Merrikh, the latest to apply, confirmed on Thursday, October 23, that it had received written approval from FERWAFA to participate in the topflight league starting November 2025.

In a statement, FERWAFA said:

"Al-Merrikh Club received a letter allowing the club to compete in the Rwanda Premier League for this season... The rules and regulations governing Rwandan football, along with applicable FIFA guidelines on clubs competing outside their home countries, will be followed.”

FERWAFA has asked Al-Merrikh to notify the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its relocation, with the club’s board having already endorsed the move. The Sudan Football Association and CAF are in the process of finalising the necessary clearances.

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Al Hilal and Al Ahli Wad Madani have also received approval and confirmed the development through their official communication channels.

None of the three teams are currently able to play in Sudan due to insecurity, displacement of communities, and the suspension of sporting activities.

For similar reasons, the Sudan national team has been hosting its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in Benghazi, Libya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.