Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has approved the Football Association of Maldives (FAM)’s application to participate in the AFC Enhance Programme 2027, while also granting a waiver on USD 253,030 (Almost 4 Million Maldivian Rufiyaa) that the association had been required to reimburse to the continental governing body.
According to the notification received by FAM, the requests were approved by the AFC Development Committee on September 9, 2026, and subsequently ratified by the AFC Executive Committee on September 22, 2026.
The two approved requests are: FAM’s application to the AFC Enhance Programme 2027; and A waiver of the USD 253,030 reimbursement amount.
AFC has informed FAM that the necessary requirements and conditions for benefiting from the AFC Enhance Programme 2027 will be communicated in due course.
The decision represents an important development for Maldivian football, particularly as FAM continues efforts to rebuild its financial position and strengthen its overall administration and football development programmes.
Background to the USD 253,030 Repayment
The financial issue dates back to 2023, when the AFC raised concerns over the use of funds previously provided to FAM under the association’s former administration.
Following those concerns, the AFC stopped further funding to FAM and required the association to repay USD 253,030.
FAM was unable to settle the full amount because of its financial difficulties. Following a request from the association, however, the AFC has now agreed to waive the outstanding reimbursement.
The decision gives FAM greater financial room to move forward while continuing its efforts to strengthen its administrative and development structures.
A Boost for FAM’s Recovery Efforts
FAM believes the AFC’s decision provides a significant boost to the work currently being carried out to restore the association’s financial capabilities and advance football development in the Maldives.
The approval of the Enhance Programme application also creates an opportunity for FAM to access AFC development support under the new programme cycle, subject to the requirements that will be communicated by the AFC.
AFC has described the Enhance Programme as a mechanism for providing tailored support to its Member Associations, with recent revisions focused on funding distribution, regulatory requirements and stronger financial and reporting standards.
Under the current 2025–2028 regulations, the AFC Enhance Programme can provide eligible member associations with financial assistance for approved development activities across areas including Kick-Off, Pass, Volley and Stadium, with additional support available under the Advantage category for eligible associations.
FAM Seeks Stronger Regional and Global Relations
FAM’s current leadership, elected on July 26, 2025, has been working to strengthen its relationship with regional football bodies and FIFA while addressing outstanding financial and administrative matters.
As part of those efforts, FAM has cleared its pending payments to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and has also secured further support from FIFA.
Those efforts received additional momentum following FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s first official visit to the Maldives in October 2025.
During the October 24, 2025 visit, Infantino met FAM President Ahmed Thoriq, with discussions focusing on football development and expanding the game across the country.
The visit also highlighted plans to develop football across the islands, including regional competitions, infrastructure projects and the creation of a national women’s league. FIFA confirmed that the revamped Atolls Regional League 2025/26 pilot received USD 266,000 in FIFA Forward funding, while the planned National Women’s League is to receive support through FIFA Forward 3.0 special-project funding.
A New Chapter for Maldivian Football
The AFC’s decision on the USD 253,030 waiver and FAM’s 2027 Enhance Programme application now adds another significant development to the association’s ongoing recovery efforts.
With the outstanding AFC reimbursement issue removed and the pathway to new AFC development funding reopened, FAM can now focus on strengthening its financial management, administration, competitions, infrastructure and football development programmes.
For an association that has spent recent years dealing with governance and financial challenges, the latest AFC decision provides FAM with a renewed opportunity to rebuild its institutional foundation and establish a more sustainable platform for the development of football across the Maldives.
