FAM says work at standstill due to graft probe, no tournaments
FIFA and the AFC have sent a letter to the FAM after the police entered the FAM.
By
Aminath Shifleen
Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has said that it will not be able to oraganise tournaments due to the police's investigation into allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds against its management.
The allegations against FAM officials are being investigated on the orders of the Prosecutor General (PG). Police also entered the office on Tuesday under a court order to obtain evidence needed for a criminal investigation into the FAM's financial transactions.
The FAM said in a statement on Thursday that a large number of documents and equipment used in the workplace have been taken into police investigation. These include server backups and hard disks.
The FAM said:
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As a result, the day-to-day operations of the office have been disrupted, In which case, the football league and other planned tournaments would not be possible
The prosecutor has previously said:
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The FAM is accused of using funds sent by international agencies dealing with Maldives to commit crimes or facilitate crimes in violation of certain rules and regulations
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The FAM officials are accused of embezzling money from various sources and depositing the money received in dollars as aid from foreign sources into the accounts of its officials, affiliates and companies, misusing it and committing money laundering
The FAM is in serious financial trouble. Employees have not been paid their salaries and many have been deprived of large sums of money. At the same time, FAM officials are accused of corruption.
The FAM denies the allegations. It said no official, employee or member of the FAM has embezzled any money given to it by any foreign organisation.
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Such grants are audited annually by the donors and they check the full details of all the funds
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This is information that is published
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FAM claims that they would continue to fight for their cause despite the allegations agains them
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The FAM said it would provide all possible assistance to the investigation into all allegations against the FAM. The investigation process should be expedited
FIFA and AFC warning
FIFA and the AFC have sent a letter to the FAM after the police entered the FAM.
The letter states:
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If the independence to be maintained in the operation of the FAM is influenced in any way by any person or entity or if such an allegation is made, the FAM will be subject to action in accordance with the FIFA charter
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The government and enforcement agencies will have the jurisdiction to inspect the body through the criminal justice system; However, such an act should be carried out within the legal framework.
