Maldives government funds Palestinian U-17 Camp with MVR 546,000

The Maldivian government has allocated MVR 546,000 (approximately $35,400) to cover the costs of the entire delegation of the Palestinian U-17 team, which arrived today to conduct a training camp in preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The government is covering all expenses for the Palestinian team’s camp, which runs from today until November 19th.

Minister of Sports, Abdulla Rafiu, told "Mihaaru" that approximately MVR 546,000 will be spent on the team's accommodation and meals during their stay.

The team will be accommodated at the Beehive Hotel in Malé. Minister Rafiu noted that local transportation for the team will be jointly handled by the Police (MPS) and the MNDF. The logistical arrangements are being managed by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

The Palestinian team will play two friendly matches against the Maldives U-17 National Team: first match will be held Thursday night (November 13, 2025), whereas, second match will be held Saturday night (November 15, 2025).

The FAM confirmed that public entry to the stadium for both matches will be free of charge.

To raise additional financial aid for the Palestinian team, the FAM is selling souvenir tickets in two categories:

Palestine is scheduled to compete in Group D of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, with matches held in India from November 22nd to 30th. Their group opponents are India, Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon. Maldives will play their qualifying matches in Thailand, competing in a group with Thailand, Turkmenistan, and Kuwait.