Thimarafushi to host Gold Cup Th. Atoll qualifiers

Thimarafushi is set to host the 90 Plus Gold Cup's Thaa Atoll qualifiers.

18 of the 28 teams set to participate in the Gold Cup will be decided via qualifying rounds between the 18 atolls. Thimarafushi Council President Ismail Ibrahim stated that the decision to host the qualifying stage was made during a public general meeting.

"We had stated that we were interested in hosting the qualifiers but we wanted to get the public opinion on it before we went and fully confirmed it. And so it was decided during a public general meeting. We have signed their [90 Plus] agreement as well," said Ismail.

He also said that once they receive the news, work will begin on hosting the qualifying stage.

90 Plus has stated that they gave the opportunity to Thimarafushi without waiting for any signals from other islands due to their interest and initiative. During last year's cup as Thimarafushi was Thaa Atoll's only competing team.

90 Plus agreed last week to host Laamu Atoll's qualifying stage at their respective atoll.

Laamu Atoll will be the first atoll to participate in the qualifiers. It will be held within their yearly Laamaseelu Laamu Football Tournament. The winner of said tournament will secure their atoll spot in the Gold Cup.

Champions from each atoll will automatically qualify for the Gold Cup. There are currently 10 teams who have confirmed their spot in the cup, which are last years top 8 teams along with Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City, both of which are participating via invitation.

Last years top 8 teams that have automatically qualified for this years Gold Cup are Champions Baa. Eydhafushi, Runner-up Addu and semi-finalists Male', Raa. Alifushi, Fuvahmulah, Kaafu. Guraidhoo, Lhaviyani. Naifaru and Kaafu. Maafushi.

- 28 teams total

- Last years top 8 teams qualify automatically

- Qualification through invitation for Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City

- Rest of the 18 slots to be filled during the qualifying stage

The 28 teams will be split into seven groups, with each group having four teams. 16 teams will move forward to the next round, with the best two teams from each group being guaranteed a slot. The rest of the slots will be filled by two teams, of which are in third place that have the best result.

42 matches will be played across a 35-day period, with two matches being played daily.

90 Plus aims to have the tournament by the end of the year. The starting date of the tournament will be decided after looking at the publicized FAM football calendar, with a ceremonial announcement being made as well.