FIFA allocates USD 50,000 for FAM's short tournament

FIFA has allocated USD 50,000 (MVR 771,000) to Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to organize a short tournament ahead of the upcoming football season.

The funding, however, is conditional and FIFA will only release the funds if the tournament is held. Mihaaru News has reported that FIFA had allocated this fund following FAM submitting a detailed budget proposal for the tournament. The money can only be used for prize money, administration, and logistical support of the tournament.

All spending must be approved by Ankura, the independent auditing firm appointed by FIFA to oversee FAM’s financial transactions.

FIFA has permitted the short-format competition to take place outside the official football calendar, noting that it has no objection to the tournament going ahead irrespective of club rankings or relegation implications.

The tournament is intended to help identify players for the national squad ahead of critical fixtures in June.

FIFA’s final approval depends on the number of participating teams. So far, four clubs Maziya, TC Sports Club, Victory, and new entrants Odi Sports have confirmed their participation in the tournament.

Other clubs have declined to take part, saying an off-season tournament holds little significance.

Maldives is set to face Timor-Leste in Sri Lanka as part of the SAFF Championship and Asian Cup qualifiers in June.