Malé, Maldives: Maldives national footballer Ahmed Aiham (Fatho) has issued a public apology following his withdrawal from the national team after he failed to attend scheduled training sessions and instead participated in an unofficial futsal tournament without approval from the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

Aiham, regarded as one of the country’s promising young players, released a statement expressing deep regret for his actions and acknowledging his lapse in professionalism.

In his official statement, Aiham said:

“I would like to sincerely apologize to the Football Association of Maldives, the national team coaching staff, my teammates, and all Maldivian football fans for my recent actions that led to my withdrawal from the national team squad.

I take full responsibility for my mistake. My actions were unprofessional and not in line with the standards expected of a national team player.

Representing the Maldives is the greatest honor for any athlete, and I deeply regret the lapse in judgment that affected my commitment to the team and the trust placed in me.

I have learned a valuable lesson from this experience and will work hard to regain the confidence of the Association, my coaches, and supporters. I remain fully dedicated to improving myself both as a player and as a professional.”

According to FAM, Aiham was withdrawn from the squad after failing to attend mandatory national team training sessions earlier this week. Despite the absence being unexplained, it was later revealed that he had chosen to take part in a recreational futsal tournament without official permission, an action that violates national team protocols, which require players to prioritize training and seek approval for any external sporting involvement.

The decision to remove Aiham from the squad was made collectively by the national team’s coaching staff and the Association, citing the importance of maintaining discipline, commitment, and consistency within the team environment.

Aiham’s public apology is being viewed as an important step in addressing the issue, with fans and football figures across the country responding with a mix of disappointment and support.

Many have acknowledged his acknowledgment of responsibility and expressed hope that he will return stronger and more disciplined.

The national team is currently in preparation for upcoming international fixtures, and coaching officials have emphasized that professionalism and adherence to team protocols remain non-negotiable expectations for all players representing the Maldives.

Aiham, in his statement, reaffirmed his desire to earn back the trust of the Association and the supporters, signaling his intention to continue working toward a future return to the national team setup.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how soon he will reintegrate into the squad, but his apology marks a crucial first step in rebuilding his position within Maldivian football.