Ali Thameem
FIFA has allocated USD 50,000 — approximately MVR 771,000 — to support a pre-season tournament organized by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).
The initiative, proposed as an ad-hoc competition outside the regular football calendar, was greenlit by FIFA following a budget revision submitted by FAM.
According to local newspaper Mihaaru, the funds are restricted for use on the tournament’s prize pool, administration, and logistics, and will only be disbursed if the number of participating teams is deemed satisfactory and the tournament’s feasibility is confirmed.
FAM’s Normalization Committee earlier clarified that FIFA has no objection to off-season competitions, provided they do not influence official club rankings or relegation outcomes.
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FAM General Secretary Mohamed Shujau stated that the tournament is intended to commence before the end of April and conclude by mid-May. Invitations were extended to top-tier clubs, and four have confirmed participation: Odi Sports, Victory Sports Club, TC Sports Club, and Maziya Sports and Recreation.
Other clubs reportedly declined due to financial difficulties and the absence of key players currently engaged in U-19 national team training. Notably, the Maldivian government had allocated MVR 10 million to first-division clubs earlier this year to assist with operational costs.
FAM’s stated goal of the tournament is to assess player form ahead of upcoming international fixtures, specifically the SAFF Championship — set to begin on 22 June 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
