Malé, Maldives: Football fans across the Maldives are set for an exciting evening as Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi takes to the pitch at the Galolhu National Football Stadium today.
The match will feature a thrilling encounter between the FIFA President’s Team and the Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s Team, marking a historic moment for Maldivian football.
The event coincides with a Football Festival at the National Stadium, where more than 500 young players will participate in activities celebrating the spirit of the game. The festival aims to inspire the next generation of Maldivian footballers through engagement, mentorship, and shared passion for the sport.
This occasion also marks a significant milestone for football in the Maldives, as it welcomes the official visit of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the first visit by a FIFA president in 19 years. The last visit was by former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2006.
FIFA President’s Team Line-up:
Gianni Infantino – FIFA President
Mattias Grafström – FIFA Secretary General
Marco Materazzi – Italy National Team Legend
Federico Raviglione – Head of FIFA President’s Office
Gianni Manca – FIFA Executive Office Manager
Onofre Costa – FIFA Communication Advisor
Prince Rufus – FIFA Regional Office
Ahmed Thariq – Football Association of Maldives (FAM)
Imran Mohamed – FAM
Mohamed Umair – FAM
Ali Shiham (Hura Ayya) – FAM
Ali Suzain – FAM
Ali Ibrahim – FAM
Hussain Shafiu – FAM
Muhuthar Naseer – FAM
The match and surrounding events highlight the growing partnership between FIFA and the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), reinforcing the shared commitment to developing football at all levels across the country.
