FIFA agrees for short tournament once teams confirmed: FAM

Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has said that FIFA is open to allowing a short tournament once the number of participating teams is confirmed.

FAM, currently under a FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee, initially sought to launch the Dhivehi Premier League. However, FIFA advised against starting a full-fledged league at this time, stressing that the committee’s focus should remain on its core mandate which is reforming FAM’s constitution, holding elections, and recovering misappropriated funds.

As a result, the committee is now planning a short-format competition to ensure clubs have access to competitive football. FAM’s Acting General Secretary, Mohamed Shujau, said that discussions are ongoing with FIFA.

Shujau said that FIFA has given the go ahead for a tournament that will not affect club rankings, relegation, or be counted as part of the official season.

Several clubs had already begun pre-season training following FAM’s earlier announcement about the potential start of the Dhivehi League.

Maziya, known for early preparation, has hired a foreign coach and completed its squad with overseas signings.

Odi Sports, preparing to compete in the first division, also appointed a foreign coach. Victory, Valencia, Buru Sports, and Green Streets are among the clubs that have begun training, with Victory and Valencia also adding foreign players to their rosters.

Shujau said FAM wants to ensure that clubs’ and players’ preparations do not go to waste.

“We highlighted to FIFA that there are key matches for the national team in June. Given the resources invested to evaluate player performance, we stressed the importance of holding a short tournament,” he said.

Invitations have already been sent to clubs via official memo.

“Once we confirm the number of teams participating, we will inform FIFA. Based on that, we expect to receive approval to proceed,” Shujau added.

He said the tournament is expected to begin later this month and conclude by mid-May.