Ali Thameem
The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) Diamond Jubilee Committee has announced that a football personality from every island will be recognized as part of the upcoming year-long celebrations. The announcement was made by committee chair, Coach Ali Suzain during the committee’s first press conference held last night.
Suzain said the recognition will not be limited to players alone, and that coaches, referees, commentators, or journalists could also be selected. He explained that the nominations will take place in collaboration with island councils and clubs, with criteria to be published in the coming days. The idea, he said, was to make sure the jubilee speaks to every island and every community that has contributed to the development of the sport in the Maldives.
Committee member and New Radiant president Mubeen added that the initiative should also take into account the role played by specific islands in shaping Maldivian football. He pointed to Kulhudhuffushi, Eydhafushi, Huraa, Mahibadhoo and Thinadhoo as examples, and said the committee is open to the possibility of giving island residents a chance to cast a vote in the recognition process.
The committee also laid out other plans for the jubilee, including the creation of a logo and theme songs. Mubeen said that the branding process, along with a new trophy design, will be outsourced, and that an announcement will be made on Wednesday. He added that the branding is being created to serve the association’s identity in the years ahead, while the trophy design will be announced separately.
Suzain said the logo should reflect the past of Maldivian football and the inclusivity of clubs, and that the colors are not restricted to the red, white and green of the national flag. He also confirmed that national team players will be given recognition during the jubilee, with former captains to receive special acknowledgement.
Suzain recalled the Golden Jubilee tournament of 2000 and noted that the recognition of individuals and stakeholders will be given a higher place this time.
The committee is also considering hosting an international invitational tournament with five participating teams. A date is yet to be set, since next year’s World Cup will occupy the main international window.
Suzain said he will meet with the media again once the logo and branding are finalized.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations were first announced in July, when FAM’s new executive committee formed a dedicated body to oversee the initiatives. The year 1950 is widely regarded as the starting point of football administration in the Maldives, with the establishment of a football office, and in 1984 the country went on to join FIFA. Maldives went on to celebrate the Golden Jubilee in the year 2000.
