Presidential Address: President expresses concern over the state of football in Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed concerns over the plummeting football standards in the country.

Making these remarks in his first Presidential Address at the parliament this morning, he stated that the sport has fallen to a standard it never has before, not even regionally.

“Looking at the people’s beloved football, we have fallen to a standard that we have never before been in a regional tournament,” he said.

This was addressed due to Maldives's elimination from the group stages last year as a result of Bangladesh gaining victory over Maldives for the first time in 20 years.

The President said that athletes competing in other sports were also disappointed with this result. He shared his regrets regarding the unavailability of further training, opportunities and income paths for athletes.

He said that ways to redeem larger sports clubs from their financial pits and lead them to development must be found.

Two land plots have been arranged to build a Futsal and Netball complex

The president, Dr Muizzu announced that in order to improve the sport situation, implementation of facilities and redeeming association standards have been arranged under a long-term plan.

“God willing, we will pave the path for sports associations to evolve and promote activities. Aiming for long term achievement, we will begin training athletes and players,” the President said.

He declared that in order to built a sports infrastructure in the country, it has been determined that a multi-story sports complex fitting the land area will be established.

“As such, two land plots in Hulhumale has been determined for this unprecedented multi-storey futsal complex and netball complex.” He said.

“God willing, the establishment of a high-performance center to enhance the potential of the national team players will be also be begun.”

The president highlighted that the state has determined the minumum standard of health-care required for a sports facility where international events can be held, and established it in the Maldives. He said that this service will be provided to a degree where global standard tournaments can begin in the country and added that this service will also be available for national level competitions.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizz said that in the development of sports, the administration will consider the concerns of athletes and players.