Himmafushi to host K. Atoll Gold Cup qualifiers

Himmafushi Council has signed to host the Kaafu Atoll Gold Cup qualifiers.

This years Gold Cup by 90 Plus is set to have 28 competing teams. 18 of those teams will be selected via an inter-atoll qualifying stage.

90 Plus has so far signed with three atolls to host their respective qualifiers, which are Laamu Atoll, Thaa Atoll and Kaafu Atoll by Tuesday.

The Laamu Atoll qualifying stage will be arranged by their council. The Thaa Atoll qualifier will be held at Thimarafushi, with the Kaafu Atoll qualifier being held at Himmafushi.

Himmafushi Council President Hassan Faiz stated that they are working to host the qualifier in September, with teams from Kaafu Atoll having the chance to participate in two weeks.

90 Plus decided that the top 8 contenders in last years cup would qualify for this years cup automatically. Two teams from Kaafu Atoll, Maafushi and Guraidhoo have as well.

The following teams from last years top 8 have qualified for this years cup: B. Eydhafushi, Runner-up Addu and semi finalists Male', R. Alifushi, Fuvahmulah and Lh. Naifaru. Kulhudhuffushi City and Thinadhoo City have also confirmed their placements on an invitational basis. Of the five cities that participated in last years cup specifically for island and cities, these two cities were the ones that didn't participate.

The first atoll to begin the qualifying round is Laamu Atoll. It will be held within the yearly Laamaseelu Laamu Football Tournament. The winner of that tournament will secure their spot in the Gold Cup.

The 28 teams that will be participating will be split into seven groups, with each group having four teams. Only 16 teams will move forward to the second round, of which will be the two best teams in each group will automatically qualify for the next round. The rest of the slots will be filled up by the two best teams that came in third in their respective groups that have the best scores.

The cup will span 35 days with a total of 42 matches played, with two matched being played daily.

90 Plus plans on the tournament to be held at the end of the year. They have stated that the starting date will be decided upon viewing the publicized football calendar from FAM, with a special celebration surrounding the announcement.