Ace Travels Maldives pressed charges against the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) over the association's failure to pay charges amounting to over MVR 800,000. The cost was racked up for air tickets that the association purchased through the travel company.
According to Civil Court's order for both parties to appear at the hearing scheduled for January 8, Ace Travels is seeking the payment from FAM. As the case was filed at the court's Dispute Resolution Division, both parties will be in negotiation until a satisfactory decision is reached.
Local media Mihaaru reported that a senior official from Ace Travels anonymously disclosed that the case was filed as a last resort, to prevent the company's name being tarnished, since the audit report would note if the company is not attempting to acquire the cost of the purchased tickets.
The source went on to express hopes that a solution will be reached via the resolution process.
"The case was not submitted due to a personal grudge or due to an issue with the higher-ups of FAM. Some have been spreading these rumours", the anonymous source clarified.
"However, if a solution cannot be reached, we will submit this case to FAM's parent company Asian Football Federation (AFC) and FIFA as well".
One of the largest independent media organisations in the country VTV ceased airing the matches of Dhiraagu Dhivehi League over FAM not making its payments and therefore acting in violation of the contract signed with the broadcasting company.
According to the company's CEO Mohamed Asif (Mondhu), the matches were being aired at a very low price and the media continued broadcasting them for a long time, in order to not have a negative effect on the sport.
However, in terminating the broadcast, he stated that it was no longer a viable option.
"We can only restart [airing the matches] after receiving payment", Asif said.
He added that FAM had informed the charges were not paid because of a delay from the ministry, noting that the main issue was lack of communication.
Sign In