National football stadium to be built in Hulhumale'

The Maldives’ national football stadium will be relocated to Hulhumale' Phase one, with the existing Galolhu Stadium set to be demolished, sports minister Abdulla Rafiu has said.

Galolhu Stadium currently serves as the country’s official football venue, hosting national team home matches, AFC club tournaments and major international football competitions. The minister acknowledged its historical significance, describing it as a central part of the Maldives’ sporting legacy.

However, Rafiu said the stadium’s location makes it unsuitable for development as a modern international venue.

“Galolhu Football Stadium is not the most desirable place to be set up as an international stadium,” he told state broadcaster PSM, citing safety, security and logistical concerns. 

He said the stadium’s position in a densely populated residential area creates persistent challenges related to traffic management, parking and crowd safety.

“A sports venue in the middle of a residential area is not the most appropriate place,” Rafiu said.

According to the minister, the stadium cannot remain in its current state without major renovation. He said the government plans to demolish the existing structure and redevelop the area in a way that improves public access and traffic flow, while retaining its use as a sports facility.

“Hopefully, we will demolish it and make it easily accessible to the public, but our goal is to keep it as a sports arena,” he said.

Rafiu said government policy is to construct a new national football stadium in Hulhumale', where it can be developed in line with international safety and security standards.

“With the relocation to Hulhumale', we will be able to meet international sports security standards and better manage traffic and parking,” he said.

Land has already been allocated for the project from Hulhumale' northern area, although it is currently being used for the storage of construction materials.