Thorig contests FAM presidency; announces executive committee

Former national team’s forward and Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thorig has announced his candidacy for the post of FAM President.

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM)’s new election will be held on January 31, 2024. Those who wish to contest the election will be given the opportunity to submit their nominations before 2:00 pm today.

Thorig has submitted his nomination papers for a third term with the consent of three first division teams, Maziya, Valencia and TC. According to FAM rules, nobody can be nominated without the consent of the teams.

Thorig announced the executive committee, which also includes former football executives Hamid Abdul Gafoor and Ahmed Shahir. Hamid is a long-time FAM General Secretary. Shahir served as the national team manager and chairman of the interim committee that ran the FAM before its first election.

The vice-presidents are Thorig's cousin brother and renown goal keeper Imran Mohammed and Maziya's Hussain Shafiu.

Besides Hamid and Shahir, the other members are Ula Ibrahim of Mahibadhoo Sports Club, Mohammed Mifthah, Ali Rizwan and Abdullah Ali of TC.

The FAM's new elections are being held in the first month of the year amid a massive effort to oust incumbent President Bissam Adil Jaleel. Bassam, who served two terms as FAM president, has decided not to contest for another term.

Bassam became FAM president in 2017 and served as general secretary during Thorig's presidency. Thorig, who was contesting the emergency election following his illegal removal from the post, was defeated.

Thorig first became the FAM president in 2016 without contesting against anyone else.

The FAM is currently in financial crisis. Owes millions. In addition, police are conducting a special investigation into allegations of money laundering.