Vice Captain of the national futsal team Ishan Ibrahim (Sattu) has expressed a deep sadness on social media regarding a lack of proper support from relevant futsal parties.

Ishan, a large number of futsal players and supporters have been highlighting that the Social Center's indoor court was being given to the national handball team but not the national futsal team for their practice sessions.

Maldives had recently been crowned the champion in the 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship without holding practice sessions in an indoor court in Male'. Sources say that the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation denied the national futsal team's request to use the Social Center's indoor court. They were unable to book the court for just ball movement training as well, and that was without training for shooting.

"It truly saddens me to see the obstacles faced in futsal and the lack of cooperation for the sport," said Ishan in a Facebook post, while sharing a picture of the men's and women's handball teams conducting training in the indoor court.

Some individuals and some leaders at the highest positions have worked against providing basic resources such as courts for training in the past, as was alleged by Ishan, who is skilled at football as well.

"We have won one of the most prestigious tournaments in the region, despite these obstacles and no support."

Ishan stated that their win is something the entire country should be proud of, but is concerned that the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation does not acknowledge the team's hard work, sacrifice and achievements. 

"The success attained by the athletes without any help does not only show their strength. It shows that the system where those who are supposed to stand behind the athletes have failed."

The celebrations to mark the team's return were not as exciting either. Quite a number of people had commented on that.

"Every government makes pledges but there are no changes. Instead of sitting ministers and institution heads working towards the growth of sports, they prioritize their own interests and agendas," said Ishan.

He went on to say that private parties and associations such as the Golden Futsal Association had acknowledged futsal's achievements more than all of those institutions who are responsible.

Maldives won the tournament held at Bangkok, Thailand with 18 points. Maldives' match results are as follows:

Previous governments had pledged to build indoor futsal facilities. And even though outdoor turf pitches were built in Male' and various islands, there are currently no resources at an international standard. The current government had stated that they would build an indoor facility as well. There are complaints that futsal players do not receive the same benefits as other sports at the national level.