Palestinian U-17 football team to train in the Maldives ahead of AFC qualifiers

The Palestinian Under-17 national football team will hold a training camp in the Maldives next month as part of their preparations for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.

The ongoing war has forced Palestinian teams to seek training opportunities abroad, with local facilities no longer accessible. In response to a formal request from the Palestinian Football Association, the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) confirmed that it will host the squad in Malé from November 8.

FAM said in a statement that its Executive Committee has decided to seek government assistance to cover accommodation and logistical costs during the team’s stay. The federation will also approach sponsors to support the arrangement of two friendly matches between the Maldives U-17 and Palestine U-17 teams, which will take place during the camp.

“The Palestinian Under-17 national team has requested the support of the Palestinian Football Association to arrange a training camp in the Maldives. We are seeking government assistance to provide accommodation and other logistical arrangements, as well as approval to host two friendly matches during their stay,” the FAM Executive Committee said in a statement.

After completing their training in the Maldives, the Palestinian squad will travel directly to India, where they will compete in Group D of the Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for November 22 to 30. The group features India, Iran, Chinese Taipei, and Lebanon.

The winners of each group will progress to the AFC U-17 Asian Cup finals, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in May 2026.