FIFA President Infantino arrives in Maldives

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in Maldives today on an official visit. 

Infantino arrived in Maldives on a Qatar Airways private jet from Zurich, Switzerland. He was received at Velana International Airport by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) and Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal.

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu was unable to attend as he is currently out of the country. 

A welcome reception for Infantino was held near the airport's VIP Lounge. FAM Exco members, senior officials of clubs, and National Team players accompanied Infantino there, where players from Maldives' academies bearing flags greeted him. 

Infantino gave autographs to many of the children attending. 

A cultural show was presented in honour of his arrival. 

Infantino will be meeting with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office this afternoon. Discussions will be held during this meeting on avenues of further developing football in the Maldives. 

Infantino and President Muizzu will then be taking part in a football exhibition at the National Stadium later this afternoon. A match is set to be played between the President's team and Infantino's team. 

In addition to Infantino, his team will feature Italy's World Cup star Marco Materazzi, FAM President Thoriq and some players from the Maldives' National Team. 

The President's team is compiled of the President himself, although details have not yet been disclosed of the other players on this team. 

This match will be followed by matches between Maldives' youth teams and academies. 

FAM has invited football fans to join the crowd of spectators. 

The last time a FIFA President visited the Maldives was in 2006. Then FIFA President Sepp Blatter had visited the Maldives as part of his visits to countries affected by the 2004 tsunami. Then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had met with him, and Blatter had donated USD 2 million from FIFA to Maldives' tsunami recovery program. 

This visit aims to support FAM in its efforts to revive the sport. Football in the Maldives had stagnated under former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, whose tenure was marred by corruption and embezzlement. Bassam is currently serving a prison sentence for corruption, with additional cases pending. The current president, Thoriq, was elected through a FIFA-appointed Normalization Committee and has committed to restoring and improving football in the country.