Ali Thameem
The Male’ City football team is under scrutiny for alleged irregularities in player registration during the ongoing Ninety Plus Gold Cup.
Yesterday’s game between Alifushi and Male’ City was postponed after accusations surfaced that Male’ City exceeded the maximum number of allowable player transfers.
Kurendhoo, a Group H rival of Male’, filed a formal complaint, claiming Male’ City submitted expired National ID cards and fielded two imposters. The complaint specifically named Ahmed Maaish Rasheed, a Maldives National Team player, and Naahil Ibrahim, alleging they were registered as citizens of Dhaalu Hulhudheli.
Male’ City refuted the claims, stating both players are registered residents of Henveyru Hostock in the capital. The team insists the ID cards submitted with their application confirm the players’ eligibility.
The two players had reportedly changed their identity sometime in the middle of this year, to play at a tournament held in Dhaalu Hulhudheli.
Gold Cup rules allow teams to transfer up to two players from outside their jurisdiction. Male’ City maintains that its official transfers are limited to Ali Munaaz and Egyptian midfielder Khalil Ghamal.
Ninety Plus, the tournament organizers, are currently investigating the allegations.
