Ali Thameem
Former president of FAM Bassam Adeel Jaleel reportedly committed perjury in front of the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS), the highest court in world sports.
An investigative report by Mihaaru Sports revealed that Bassam had, in fact, purchased two penthouses in Amin Avenue, Hulhumalé, under his name – a claim he had denied during arbitration. The properties in question, units 1205A and 1206A, were bought using his own National ID card, and the sales contracts bear his signature and fingerprints. The documents also identify Bassam as the recipient of all notices from the real estate developer.
This revelation contradicts Bassam’s testimony at CAS, where he distanced himself from ownership of the apartments. During the proceedings, FIFA had submitted a list of Amin Avenue tenants who had failed to pay maintenance fees, with the name “Bassam Ali” appearing on the list. Due to the spelling discrepancy and lack of concrete supporting evidence at the time, CAS could not verify the ownership claim.
Nevertheless, on February 14, CAS upheld FIFA’s ruling, which had imposed a nine-month provisional suspension on Bassam from all football-related activities. The court found the suspension to be “reasonable, not disproportionate and fair in the circumstances.”
Bassam had filed an appeal at the High Court of Maldives in an attempt to reclaim the same two apartments after they were seized by police in October 2024. The expose’ by ‘Mihaaru’ argued that this appeal itself serves as legal grounds for his ownership of the apartments, and by extension, his perjury before CAS.
Both Bassam and Amin Construction – the real estate developer – are facing criminal charges in the Maldives. Bassam is the defendent of multiple charges by the prosecutor general of Maldives, and the case is ongoing at the Criminal Court of Maldives.
Bassam Spent Most of FAM’s $12 Million on Properties and Personal Businesses: PG Office
On December 22, 2024, the Prosecutor General’s Office filed the following charges against Bassam:
Theft by Failing to Deliver Funds Entrusted – under Section 215 of the Penal Code of Maldives. Bassam is accused of embezzling USD 1.2 million in FIFA funds intended for football development, which were instead diverted for personal use during his tenure as FAM president.
Money Laundering – under Section 53 of the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism Act. Investigations allege that the stolen funds were laundered through the purchase of luxury real estate in Hulhumalé, with the combined value of the seized apartments estimated at MVR 25 million.
