Maldivian football, the nation’s most beloved sport, had faced a significant decline in recent years due to systemic corruption and institutional neglect. However, the revival of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) under the leadership of Ahmed Tariq (Tom) last year has breathed new life into the sport. These transformative changes have even earned the commendation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The year 2025 has proven to be a landmark year for Maldivian football. After a two-year hiatus, the Dhivehi League resumed, drawing massive crowds back to the stadium as legendary clubs like New Radiant and Victory SC made their highly anticipated return. Furthermore, under the guidance of a local head coach, the national team achieved a historic victory by clinching the South Asian Super Cup, marking a triumphant return to home-soil international matches after a long period. Key milestones such as the historic visit of the FIFA President to the Maldives, the relaunch of the Women’s League, and concerted efforts to expand football development across the atolls have all been instrumental steps in steering Maldivian football towards a promising future.
