Police probe FAM embezzlement of football club subsidies

The Maldives Police Service has announced that the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is under investigation for the alleged embezzlement of subsidies allocated to football clubs.

The investigation began in October 2023 following a directive issued by former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem. Former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been charged in connection with some of the ongoing cases.

Police provided an update on the matter on Tuesday, stating that the investigation also includes allegations of misuse of foreign aid received by FAM and money laundering.

According to police, FAM funds were allegedly deposited into the accounts of a private company in which Bassam held shares, as well as into accounts belonging to individuals who were employed by the association at the time.

Authorities also allege that subsidies designated for football clubs were transferred into the personal accounts of FAM executives and their associated companies. The investigation is ongoing.