Verdict hearing for former FAM President Bassam set for Wednesday

Criminal Court has scheduled the verdict hearing for former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel on fraud and money laundering charges for Wednesday afternoon.

Prosecution accuse Bassam of depositing USD 10,000 (MVR 154,000) from a FIFA grant made in 2018 into his personal account while serving as FAM President. After bank deductions, USD 9,999 was credited to his account.

He faces charges of fraud and money laundering in connection with the transaction.

Hearings in the case concluded last week.

Bassam is also facing separate charges of embezzling additional FAM funds. The second case is being tried separately.

In relation to the ongoing investigations, police last year seized penthouses in Hulhumale' owned by Bassam under a court order. The retention period for the properties has been extended until next year.