Apartment in FAM fraud handover delayed on Bassam’s request

The handover of two apartments allegedly purchased by former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel from funds funnelled through the country’s football governing body has been postponed until October 31. 

The apartments, located in Amin Avenue in Hulhumale’, have been at the centre of a controversy involving funds allocated by FIFA to support football clubs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charges had been levied against Bassam last month, accusing him of purchasing the two apartments using a portion of a $1.9 million relief loan from FIFA. 

The loan was intended to provide financial assistance to clubs struggling during the pandemic, but $1 million of it is alleged to have been diverted to finance the apartment purchases.

A court order had mandated the handover of the apartments to the police, and the process of seizing the properties began last Thursday. Sunday marks the original deadline for the handover. 

However, Bassam requested an extension, citing personal circumstances. In response, the police granted an extension of the deadline until October 31, according to a police spokesperson.

During a press conference held on 18th September, police disclosed key details of the investigation:

- Amin Construction received $1 million from the FAM for the purchase of the two apartments.

- The company allegedly has not paid the amount back to the FAM, though documentation had been prepared to suggest otherwise.

- The $1 million in question was allegedly part of the COVID-19 relief loan provided by FIFA to help football clubs survive the financial difficulties caused by the pandemic.