Bassam Takes Penthouse Case to High Court, Disputes Eviction Ruling

Bassam Adeel Jaleel, the former president of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), has filed an appeal in the High Court challenging the Hulhumale' Magistrate Court's recent order to vacate two penthouses he allegedly acquired using FAM funds.

The magistrate court issued the eviction order on September 28, giving Bassam a six-day deadline to comply. While he initially sought an extension from the police to stay until the end of the month, the authorities adjusted the timeline, and he was required to vacate by midnight on Tuesday.

In compliance with the order, Bassam handed over the two penthouses, located at Hulhumale' Lot No. N2-25, Block A, to the police. However, his legal team quickly filed an appeal, disputing the decision of the magistrate court.

The controversy surrounding Bassam revolves around allegations that he used USD 1 million of a USD 1.9 million loan provided by FIFA to FAM. The funds, which were intended to help local football clubs navigate financial difficulties during the Covid-19 pandemic, were allegedly diverted for the purchase of the penthouses.

According to the Maldives Police Service, Bassam used the funds to pay Amin Construction for the properties, but the Maldivian Rufiyaa equivalent of the amount was never deposited into FAM’s account. The police further allege that documents were falsified to make it appear as though FAM had received the payment. In addition, the two penthouses were reportedly merged into a single unit, violating building regulations in the process.

To conceal the misappropriation, FAM is said to have taken a loan from a third-party company, creating the illusion that the local currency had been received.

The police forwarded the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office last month, seeking formal charges against Bassam.