Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has said it will move to amend regulations governing Club Maldives tournaments to enable national team footballers to receive state allowances. 

FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) said the proposed changes would align tournament regulations with FIFA, AFC and FAM standards, and ensure players meet eligibility requirements for government benefits. 

He said the amendments are intended to allow members of the national futsal team to qualify for the MVR 7,000 monthly allowance currently provided to national team athletes.

FAM has already signed an agreement recognizing Club Maldives competitions as the country’s main futsal tournament structure, with its Cup competition designated as the premier league-level event. 

Thoriq said the formal recognition of the tournament system would also support the introduction of a “best futsal player” category in the upcoming FAM Awards, which are being revived after a hiatus.

He added that the Competition Department and Club Maldives would work together to ensure tournament regulations meet international requirements.

Under current government rules, national team players are eligible for allowances when participating in international competitions and officially recognized tournaments under their governing association.

Although Maldives men’s futsal teams have competed internationally for years including winning the inaugural SAARC futsal championship players have not previously received the allowance.

“The conditions for the allowance include participation in an FAM-affiliated tournament. Therefore, we will make changes to comply with the rules,” Thoriq said.

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu has also indicated earlier that next year’s state budget will include allowances for national futsal players and officials.