Government disburses MVR 9 million to league clubs

Government has disbursed MVR 9 million to eight out of the ten clubs playing in the Dhivehi Premier League.

Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation has decided to pay MVR 1 million to each club playing in the Dhivehi League.

The first installment of the MVR 1 million was initially deposited to all ten clubs last month, at MVR 300,000 per club.

The second instalment, however, was deposited to eight out of the ten clubs, at MVR 500,000 each. Although the ministry confirmed this, they did not disclose which two teams did not receive the second instalment.

However, Mihaaru News reports that these two clubs are United Victory and Green Streets, adding that the payment was withheld because the term of the clubs' management committee has expired.

Addressing club officials at last Saturday's FAM Congress, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu said that the government has worked from the initial day onwards to raise football from the condition it has fallen to in recent years.

He also said then that the government is in discussions with SOEs on the repayment of FAM's debts.