Maldives applies to host SAFF U-20 Championship

Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has officially applied to host the SAFF U-20 Championship in Maldives. The championship will be held next year in March/April.

FAM released a press release today stating upon the association's Executive Committee passing the decision to request hosting of the championship in Maldives, they had shared it with the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF).

FAM said this is part of their work to develop regional football and bring international opportunities for younger players.

"The association's Executive Committee believes that if we were to get this opportunity, Maldives has the capabilities to host such an event along with the excitement that comes with it."

"FAM is ready to prep arrangements for the events if we do get this opportunity."

Maldives has hosted many other international tournaments in the past, such as the MFF Golden Jubilee Tournament 2000, AFC Challenge Cup 2014 and the 2021 SAFF Championship. Maldives has also hosted a few matches from the 2009 AFC Challenge Cup and the 2008 SAFF Championship.

The purpose of hosting this tournament in Maldives is to reinvigorate public trust in football and bring back excitement for the sport.

During FAM's previous term, fraud had become commonplace in the association, with operations experiencing carelessness and football activities coming to a halt. Current FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) and the Executive Committee (ExCo) were elected during the election hosted by the Normalization Committee appointed by FIFA in order to solve this problem.

President of FIFA Gianni Infantino had acknowledged FAM's work and came to visit Maldives recently in support of their efforts.