Male' Maldives (August 21): Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) has called for action to be taken against the previous FAM leadership regarding the current state of football in the Maldives.

Following a survey conducted by FIFA and AFC teams to evaluate the state of Maldivian football, FIFA decided to establish a normalization committee to oversee FAM on the 23rd of last month. On August 20th, FIFA confirmed the appointment of the committee, with Zuhoor serving as its chair. The committee also includes Ahmed Muizzu, Fareeha Shareef, Ismail Siman, and Ahmed Ali.

Thoriq, a member of Parliament, took to social media to congratulate all the members of the normalization committee and also shared concerning pictures of the current state of the FAM House.

"The issues that Maldivian football has encountered recently require a thorough investigation, and strict action must be taken against the FAM leadership. The current state of football in the Maldives is evident from the concerning pictures shared. Furthermore, if an election is held, Bassam (former FAM President) or one of his close executive committee members is likely to run," added former National Football Team forward Thoriq.

Thoriq, who won the FAM election in 2016, served as president for just four months before being dismissed due to the resignation of most of his executive members. Bassam, who won the following election, has recently been suspended from all football-related activities by FIFA due to allegations of corruption and misuse of FAM funds.

FAM attempted to hold elections twice this year, but both were halted by FIFA/AFC due to issues with FAM’s statutes. Thoriq submitted his candidacy on both occasions and is expected to run for the position again in the upcoming election.