Male, Maldives: Mohamed Arif (Baka), a talented midfielder who played for the national football team and many first-division teams, passed away today.

Baka, 38, who returned from the Hajj pilgrimage recently, was admitted to the ADK hospital with a fever. He was treated in the ICU due to breathing difficulties.

A source told Adhadhu that although his condition was slowly improving, Baka was being treated on a ventilator.

However, a source close to him said Baka passed away sometime today.

Due to injury, Baka did not play in the first division last season. He last played in the first division for United Victory.

But he recently played in the Seven-a-Side tournament for former players held in Male'.

Born in Hithadhoo of Addu city, Baka started his career with Island Football Club (IFC) in 2004.

He has played for many clubs in the first division of Maldives. They include New Radiant Sports Club, Victory Sports Club, Club Valencia, VB Addu FC, Club Eagles, Club Green Streets and Maziya Sports and Recreation. He has also played for Myanmar's KBZ.

Baka was part of the national team that won the 2008 and 2018 SAFF Championships. He last played for the national team in 2021 in the preliminary squad for the SAFF Championship.