President and first lady host luncheon in honor of Palestinian youth team

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed hosted a luncheon today for the Palestinian youth football team, which is currently training in the Maldives in preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The banquet, held at the Hotel Jen Ballroom, was also attended by the Maldives' own U-17 team.

Due to the ongoing conflict, Palestine's home matches and training sessions are held in other countries. The arrangement for the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) to hold their training camp in the Maldives was facilitated at the expense of the Maldivian government after a request was made to the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

Sports Minister Abdullah Rafiu previously stated that the government would spend approximately MVR 546,000 to host the training camp for the Palestinian team in the Maldives.

During the training camp, the Palestinian team played two matches against the Maldives U-17 team. Special souvenir tickets prepared by the FAM for these two matches were bought by President Muizzu and Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

The FAM stated that all proceeds from the sale of these tickets will be donated to the Palestinian Football Association.

The AFC U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers will take place from this Saturday until the 30th of this month. The Palestinian team, finishing its training camp in the Maldives, is in Group D alongside India, Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon, with matches hosted in India. Similarly, the Maldives U-17 team will depart for their qualifiers in Thailand, competing in Group F with Thailand, Turkmenistan, and Kuwait, all aiming for a spot in the final tournament.