Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Abdullah Rafiu has said that efforts are being made to hold a short tournament in preparation for the upcoming SAFF Championship, as the football season has been postponed to next August. The minister said this in response to clubs halting their training sessions after the football season in the Maldives was delayed to August on FIFA’s instructions. In a special interview with PSM News, Rafiu said that work is underway to provide an opportunity to play matches by organizing an additional tournament.
Referring to the postponement of the season to August, the minister said that although it was postponed in accordance with FIFA’s instructions, the Sports Ministry is making necessary preparations to hold a short tournament in consultation with the Normalization Committee. “Whether it’s the President’s Cup or any other tournament, I consider it very important to play a tournament,” the minister said. The minister has highlighted the importance of football continuing without interruption. Rafiu said that clubs now have adequate time to prepare for the season as it is set to begin in August. The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has invited clubs to participate in a football tournament in the Maldives before the SAFF Championship. It is not mandatory for any club to play in this tournament. The tournament will be played among the teams that wish to participate.
It has been one and a half years since a national-level football tournament was played in the Maldives. The last official tournament was held in November 2023. Since then, the season has been delayed due to issues with FAM elections, and three dates have been given to start this year’s season. The season, which was last scheduled to start on the 10th of this month, was postponed when FIFA and AFC advised to delay the season and start it next August. As a result, many clubs have stopped their practice sessions. The government has also provided financial assistance to clubs to prepare for the new football season.
