The new President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Ahmed Thoriq (Tom), Member of Parliament for Mahibadhoo constituency, has said he hopes to finalize the Maldivian football calendar within a week. In a special interview with PSM News after being elected as the new President, Thoriq said that in the coming week, they will discuss with clubs and the Executive Committee to finalize the calendar and determine how to proceed. He expressed hope that within two years, the Maldivian football system will be stabilized to include all regions of the country.
FAM President Thoriq said that even the amendments to the Sports Act previously brought by the government were passed to operate regional associations in a a decentralized manner. He mentioned that although attempts were made earlier to amend the constitution accordingly, those amendments were not passed at that time. “Although those amendments weren’t passed then, now the transitional articles have mandated the newly elected Executive Committee to give those powers. Our plan is to divide into four regions,” Thoriq said.
Thoriq explained that FAM’s regional associations will be formed for seven atolls from Ha to Lhaviyani, seven atolls from Kaafu to Dhaalu, six atolls from Laamu to Addu City, and a separate region for the Male’ area. “Until now, the system was set up to hold all tournaments in Male’, but we want to hold atoll tournaments first, then create a league at the regional level, even if it’s played zone-wise in each region,” Thoriqsaid.
Thoriq stated that there will be a second league in each region, and as per FIFA and AFC statutes, the Maldives will also have a second league in the atolls in addition to the top league. The top league will be the Premier League in the Maldives, followed by four leagues in four zones. The top teams from these will be promoted to the Premier League. “Our hope is that even from the first season, by the next season, teams from the three regions outside Male’ will have the opportunity to qualify for the Premier League,” Thoriq said. He expressed his gratitude to all clubs for their support in electing him as President this time with the backing of all FAM clubs.
