The President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Ahmed Thoriq, has stated that there is enthusiasm and love for football among the Maldivian people. Thoriq mentioned that the weakening relationship between football and supporters has negatively affected the main league of the Maldives. Speaking on PSM News’ “Kulivaru Vindu” program, Thoriq said that youth from the atolls should have the opportunity to play in the highest league of the Maldives. He explained that the changes brought to football management under a comprehensive system were aimed at involving the entire country.
Under the newly formulated structure of the Maldivian football league, the country has been divided into four regions. Among these, three regions corresponding to the atolls have been scheduled to start the Atoll Championship football tournament this year, with a pathway established for qualification to the Dhivehi Premier League. “From Ha. Atoll to Addu Atoll, each atoll will host an atoll tournament. Teams will qualify according to a set criteria to play in leagues in leagues – the North League, Central League, South League, and additionally, the Male’ League. The current Male’ League will become the Second Division, while the Second Division in the atolls will be the Regional League,” Thoriq explained.
Thoriq stated that this is the time to start working on rejuvenating football across the entire country. He mentioned that once the number of participants is known in October, the way forward will become clear. The Atoll and Zone football tournaments were once very popular events in the Maldives. However, these tournaments have not been held recently due to numerous financial issues.
