FAM taking steps to regain trust lost at SAFF

SAFF competitions were given between India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan but the opportunity has not been given to Maldives. Youth football coaches and parents of players can only dream of a regional football tournament of varied age groups.

It has come to the attention of Mihaaru News that FAM worked to get such an opportunity at the time. At the time, they worked for a tournament opportunity for this year.

However, some members of SAFF's congress objected to this. SAFF member countries have lost trust in Maldives. Members of SAFF's congress objected due to the prize money and benefits not being given to referees and match officials during the 2021 SAFF Championship held in Maldives.

FAM has paid SAFF USD 75,000 as prize money.

As per FAM's General Secretary Ahmed Zareer, current FAM leadership is heavily prioritizing their efforts in regaining SAFF's trust.

"We have stabilized our relationship with SAFF over the four months or so," said Zareer.

"FAM President Ahmed Thoriq and SAFF General Secretary Purushottam Kattel met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last month and held long discussions, of which the results have been quite positive."

And so, FAM has hope that the opportunity for next March and April's SAFF U-20 Championship may be held in Maldives.

A statement from FAM reads that the current ExCo that took office in July expressing interest to host next year's championship is in order to show that Maldives is ready to aid the progress of regional football.

"Expressing our interest in this shows that FAM is persistent in aiding the progression of regional football and finding opportunities for younger players to compete at an international level," as was written in FAM's English statement.

"The Executive Committee believes that Maldives has the interest and capability to host a championship of this level successfully."