Bassam loses FIFA's support, faces stringent demands

Around the beginning of the previous government’s tenure, President of FAM (Football Association of Maldives), Bassam Adeel Jaleel, flew to Switzerland for a FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) meeting and met the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. At that time, Bassam’s leadership was facing imminent threats due to the then Sports Minister, Ahmed Mahloof’s attempts at submitting a no-confidence motion against him.

He had shared these concerns with FIFA president Infantino in an unofficial meeting, seeking assistance to preserve his leadership, which Infantino had then assured.