A section of the Maafannu stadium that was handed to a South Korean company to build a four-story futsal complex is in use as a police tow yard, according to the police.
The only pitch available in Male’ for playing football without prior permission is now occupied by four-wheeled vehicles. The area located behind the turf stadium is under police control.
The area is being used as a police tow yard, Police Spokesperson Ahmed Shifan said when contacted by Adhadhu.
“We’ve been using it for a while now. Since last Ramadan if I recall,” Shifan said.
The pitch formerly used by the national football team as well is now in a state of disrepair. -- Photo: Mirash Nashim/ Adhadhu
In 2020, the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) contracted a company called Skywind Global to develop futsal pitches on four floors in the 17,000 square feet area. The agreement also included the construction of a 20-story building after demolishing the current FAM office building. At the time, FAM estimated an income of more than MVR 90 million when the building was completed.
However, work did not begin on either project.
The construction of an accommodation block for players began on the site after that. On the other side of the building (synthetic stadium side), turf was laid for some sports academies and for the national futsal team to carry out practice sessions. However, the turf has since been damaged due to the lack of proper maintenance.
