FAM to finalize national football calendar within a week

Football Association of Maldives (FAM) will finalize this year’s football calendar within a week, the association’s newly elected president, Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) said.

Maldives has not participated in an official senior-level football tournament for six years. FAM’s normalization committee, which was in charge over the past year, had initially planned to begin the football season in April.

However, at the request of FIFA’s Member Associations Department official, Ahmed Harraz, the season’s launch was postponed. Instead, an unofficial tournament; the League Cup was held using the drafted calendar.

Speaking following his election on Saturday, Thoriq said a new football calendar had already been prepared.

Under the revised structure, the country will be divided into four zones, with the three zones outside the capital hosting atoll and regional league tournaments.

Thoriq expressed his intention to bring more atoll teams into the national league from next season.

"The calendar will be finalized in consultation with the executive committee and clubs within the next week," he said.

"I hope football will be stabilized across the country within two years."

Thoriq also announced plans to introduce futsal and beach soccer tournaments in conjunction with the formation of new regional football associations. These activities will be open to all islands.

- North Regional Football Association: Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyani, and Kulhudhuffushi City

- Central Regional Football Association: Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaal, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu

- South Regional Football Association: Thaa, Laamu, Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaal, Thinadhoo City, Fuvahmulah City, and Addu City

- Male' Regional Football Association: Clubs based in Male' City, Second Division and Third Division teams