Clubs accuse Sports Ministry of discrimination in funding

Several Maldivian football clubs have raised concerns about alleged discrimination in the distribution of government funding, claiming that the Ministry of Sports has shown preferential treatment toward Maziya Sports and Recreation Club under both the current and former administrations.

The issue was discussed during a recent meeting between Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu and members of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) Normalization Committee.

According to club officials present at the meeting, concerns were voiced about disproportionate financial support allocated to Maziya.

A club official said Maziya received MVR 1.8 million last year, despite not participating in any senior domestic football tournament.

The club only featured in the group stage of the AFC Challenge League, where they failed to secure a single point in Group B matches played in Kuwait.

“These concerns have been raised directly with Minister Rafiu,” the official said.

“It’s reasonable to provide some funding for international competitions, but no other club received any assistance last year. Why should one club be treated differently?”

The allegations of favoritism are not new. During former Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof’s tenure, the Ministry reportedly spent MVR 5 million on Maziya in 2023 alone, prompting criticism from several other first division clubs.

The previous government had pledged MVR 1 million in support for each first division club. However, several clubs claim they have yet to receive the promised funds.

“When Minister Rafiu took over, there were outstanding payments owed to some clubs. But it seems all dues are being paid on time to one particular club, while others are still waiting,” senior official from another club said.

The current government has allocated MVR 10 million, MVR 1 million per club to support preparations for the new football season, which is expected to begin this month.

But discontent persists, with some stakeholders questioning the Ministry's transparency and fairness in distributing public funds.

Beyond football, other sports advocates have voiced frustration that only football clubs are receiving financial assistance, despite commitments to support the broader sports sector.