Male', Maldives (September 12): Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has highlighted worsening financial issues at first division clubs as the reason for the delay in the start of top-tier football in the Maldives.
Following a survey by FIFA and AFC teams on July 23, which assessed the state of Maldivian football, FIFA decided to establish a normalization committee. This committee, appointed on August 20, met with top division clubs to discuss the potential start of the domestic season.
The clubs reported that they have not yet received over 2 million rufiyaa (more than $130,000) from the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).
This financial shortfall has left the clubs unable to pay pending player salaries and secure the AFC Club license.
Only the league champions, Maziya Sports & Recreation, have obtained the license, but they are also awaiting prize money of Premier League and additional funds from FAM.
In a press conference held at the President's Office last Tuesday, Minister Rafiu revealed that the normalization committee had reported worsening financial conditions at the clubs.
"If we could find a way to resolve these financial issues, the clubs could settle pending salaries and secure the club licenses. Improving the financial stability of the clubs is crucial for resuming football," Rafiu stated.
The season, initially scheduled to start on June 15 and later postponed to July 15, remains on hold with no official start date announced.
Maziya is preparing for the AFC Challenge League in late October, with concerns about competing in a continental tournament without any local season matches.
