In South Asian football, it's a good period for six countries apart from the Maldives. Even amid the largest region of cricket competition, the six other countries, excluding the Maldives, are actively utilizing FIFA's international break.
In South Asian football, it's a good period for six countries apart from the Maldives. Even amid the largest region of cricket competition, the six other countries, excluding the Maldives, are actively utilizing FIFA's international break.
The national teams of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan are in intense training camps for the second round of World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Bhutan are actively open for participating in tournaments, with Bhutan even competing in the FIFA series tournament in Sri Lanka.
However, in Maldives football, there is a glaring absence of activity. The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is embroiled in a major crisis, resulting in the stagnation of both national team and club football.
The star of the new season remains uncertain, causing concern among club officials with one senior club official taking it to the Sports Minister. Despite the FAM's decision to include 10 teams in the next season's league, inadequate facilities hinder team preparations.
The condition of the two stadiums, maintained by the FAM, is deplorable, with deteriorating grass and unresolved lighting issues persisting since 2019.
Allegations of misappropriation of funds by FAM officials have further compounded the situation, leading to demotivation among players, coaches, and parents alike.
"We cannot afford to witness such a setback in football again. It will have a lasting impact on an entire generation of footballers," emphasized a club coach.
A coach in youth football noted that there exists a golden generation of under-16 players within the country.
Allegations have surfaced regarding the misappropriation of funds by FAM officials, and FIFA has consequently withheld the development fund, depriving FAM of its benefits.
In an effort to mitigate the crisis, FIFA has allocated USD 381,000 for the payment of FAM salaries, with USD 200,000 already disbursed. This infusion of funds has alleviated the backlog of unpaid salaries, providing relief to FAM employees.
"They are giving the money so that FAM will not get completely paralyzed," said a former FAM official, who had previously held a senior position at the FAM.
Expressing concern, a club coach highlighted the repercussions of football's collapse on both the national team and clubs participating in the AFC tournament.
"The FAM needs to be brought back to normalcy in order to get football back on track from the current situation," said Ahmed Thorig, who is running for the position of FAM President.
"The downfalls won't be able to be solved unless they reform the FAM," Thorig said on social media.
Sign In
