FAM in hopes to reignite discussions over Hulhumale' plot

FAM President Ahmed Thoriq has announced that he hopes to have a discussion with Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the government in order to reacquire a plot in Hulhumale' that was earlier given to FAM so that they can build a football school.

The Hulhumale' Phase 1 plot was given to FAM during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration with no rent payments, due to it being a social project. As FAM wanted to conduct business on the grounds as well, they requested for this change from the HDC during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration and were successful in doing so. FAM were required to pay rent once the changes went through.

Due to FAM not paying rent at the time, HDC had sent them multiple notices as well. Even when FAM was told that they would have to give up the land they didn't pay the rent, even after a red notice was put up on the premises. HDC invalidated the agreement they had with FAM at the time and took the plot back, the FAM being told to vacate the land as well.

Former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, who was accused of monetary fraud during his time, was accused of funneling FAM funds into his own companies, with plots being given as rent for his business between 25 to 40 years. In a statement released by FAM's Normalization Committee, it was written that a long-term rental advance was also taken from FAM.

As a long-term rental advance was taken out by FAM, and if the plots are taken back from the companies before the advance timeframe is up, FAM would have to pay out a large sum of money as a result.

FAM President Ahmed Thoriq's, who was inaugurated on 26th July, biggest roadblock currently is FAM's plots and warehouses.

He has written a formal letter to the Normalization Committee asking for the return and restoration of the plot. He also asked to discuss this matter with the HDC. However, the HDC did not want to engage in these talks with FAM, resulting in no movement in the plot issue.

Thoriq, who is also a parliamentary member of the ruling party PNC, has stated that reclaiming the plot in Hulhumale' is the first priority to solve on his list.

Thoriq said that around 15 companies have been renting the plot to conduct business.

"We are working towards reclaiming the plot for FAM or for the sake of football by trying to start talks with HDC or the government," Thoriq has told PSM.

He went on to say that he will solve the issue surrounding FAM warehouses that are near the Maafannu Stadium.

"Not only are we talking about the plot concerning the football school. The construction of various buildings surrounding the stadium is also in such a state. We are working towards bringing these places back under FAM jurisdiction, or even under a rent clause, so that we can bring in some money and profit in a legal manner," Thoriq said.