Smalley Falls Short of First Quarter Targets

In an interview with World Soccer in December, FAM Technical Director, England’s Paul Thomas Smalley, outlined his objectives for the first quarter of the year.

"We have to commence the league at any point in the first quarter of the year so that we can include the north and the middle," Smalley expressed in the interview.

As the first quarter concludes and the second quarter proceeds, talks for leagues in the north, south, and central regions are ongoing. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the start date for these leagues including the main league, the Dhivehi League.

Another target set by Smalley for the first quarter was to appoint a foreign coach for the national team in February and utilize last month's international break in the Maldives. However, these plans did not materialize as intended.

Smalley, a former technical director of Bangladesh, has made strides in establishing a football school and recruiting young players in Bangladesh.

Yet, nine months into his tenure in the Maldives, the leadership of FAM has failed to provide an enabling environment for his work.

On the contrary, FAM finds itself embroiled in a major controversy, with leaders facing accusations of fraud and the development budget, provided by FIFA, being withheld. Despite two attempts to hold fresh elections, FIFA has intervened to block them.

A former FAM veteran stressed that football development efforts should continue despite leadership challenges and election disputes.

"Setting aside Exco disputes, if a proper system is in place, technical work can proceed uninterrupted. The national team can play matches during international breaks," he remarked.

He emphasized that regardless of the caliber of individuals joining as technical directors or coaches, their impact is limited by systemic issues.

Former Olympic Committee General Secretary Ahmed Marzoog previously remarked that even if esteemed coaches like Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola were to come, they would face challenges due to the system.

Nine years into President Bassam Adeel Jaleel's tenure at FAM, a strong system is yet to be established.

Amid the crisis, FAM has announced recruitment for various technical posts and appointed coaches for the national women's and men's senior teams.