The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is burdened with over MVR 85 million in debt, according to information from the Normalization Committee appointed to manage the association’s affairs. Although the committee has yet to release an official statement regarding FAM's financial situation, sources confirm that both foreign and local entities are owed significant sums.
Court hearings related to FAM's debts have concluded, with rulings mandating the association to settle overdue payments. Most cases involve funds originally acquired in Maldivian rufiyaa, which were later promised to be converted into US dollars but never fully paid. These transactions occurred during the tenure of former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, who is now facing charges of money laundering and fraud.
In addition to criminal trials, Bassam is currently under a travel ban, and his passport has been seized. FIFA has also suspended him from all football-related activities pending further investigations.
The Civil Court recently ordered FAM to compensate MVR 1.5 million to the State Trading Organization (STO) for failing to organize the South League as part of the Dhivehi Premier League. FAM also owes money to local football clubs, foreign officials, and employees, many of whom have gone unpaid for months. This includes unpaid prize money for the SAFF Championship, with dues still owed to India, the 2021 champions.
Despite mounting pressure, the Normalization Committee has faced criticism for its silence and failure to address these ongoing financial challenges publicly.
