Court grants ex-football chief 10 days to appoint new lawyer
The charges against Bassam include allegations related to financial transactions during his tenure at FAM:
Criminal Court on Thursday granted former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel 10 days to appoint a new lawyer after his previous legal representative withdrew from the case.
Bassam faces multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering, filed earlier and later last year. The hearing of four charges was scheduled for 9 am Thursday before Criminal Court Judge Ismail Shafeeu.
During the proceedings, Bassam expressed his intent to proceed with legal representation. Judge Shafeeu acknowledged the request and allowed him a 10-day period to secure a lawyer.
The charges against Bassam include allegations related to financial transactions during his tenure at FAM:
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Misuse of FAM funds for apartment purchases:Prosecutors allege that $1 million from FAM funds was used to purchase two apartments developed by Amin Construction.The amount is part of a $1.9 million COVID-19 relief loan provided by FIFA to support football clubs during the pandemic.It is alleged that documentation was falsified to indicate payment in Maldivian currency to FAM, which was not received.
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Personal use of FIFA funds:
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Prosecutors allege that $10,000 from a FIFA deposit in 2018 was transferred to Bassam’s personal account.
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It is claimed that a significant portion of this amount benefited Bassam and his wife's business, Glacier Investments.
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Allegedly, $2,000 of the funds was used to pay rent for a Rehendhi flat.
