Ali Thameem
An internal memo shared this Tuesday by the Football Association of Maldives, has been leaked on social media.
According to the memo, FAM has prohibited its employees, coaches and referees from getting involved in what it called “tournaments and leagues that have nothing to do with the Association”.
Consequently, the FAM and its normalization committee are being heavily criticized on social media.
Additionally, FAM has announced a ‘Dhivehi Youth League’, the schedule of which clashes with the Gold Cup, the inter-island championship organized by Ninety Plus and the Sports Ministry.
According to the schedule published by FAM, The under-12 and under-14 division of the Dhivehi Youth League will kick off on 21st November but will only be played at Henveyru Football Ground.
However, the under-16 division of the youth league, which starts on the 1st of December, will be played at three stadiums; Henveyru Football Ground, Hulhumale’ Stadium and the Galolhu National Stadium, therefore conflicting with the Gold Cup games.
The 90-plus Gold Cup will represent islands from across the country. Despite the difficulty for islands to take part during this time of the year, 22 teams have participated.
The Gold Cup is scheduled to kick off on the 20th of this November.
As per the schedule, the under-16 division games will continue for six weeks from kick-off day; until the 16th of January 2025. The games of this youth league are to be played in the morning, evening and at night, and will include 84 games.
