FIFA again blocks Maldives FA election

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the global parent for football, has again suspended the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) election, which was announced for the 20th of next month, after the deadline for participation expired.

Earlier, FIFA and the AFC had blocked the January 30 election. FIFA had then ordered the electoral committee and appeal committee to be elected in accordance with the FAM's constitution.

The FAM held a special congress to elect the two committees. However, the validity of the congress was questionable as the majority of the FAM clubs did not participate.

FAM Interim General Secretary Mohammed Jaushan Shareef told the FAM media group that the election was postponed at the request of FIFA and AFC due to ongoing talks.

Incumbent President Bassam Adil Jaleel and his predecessor, former forward and current Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thorig, were running for the presidency when the deadline for nominations expired.

Thorig contested with Valencia, which has been suspended by the FAM, among the three clubs that support him in the first division. Therefore, it was expected that Thorig's candidacy would be rejected by the FAM Electoral Committee.

The FAM president must have the support of at least three first division clubs. Thorig is supported by Valencia, Maziya and TC.

There are five clubs behind Bassam.

Thorig did not respond to Atoll Times’ queries so could not be reached for comment.

However, FIFA and the AFC have interfered in the FAM election this time around since Thorig filed complaints.

The FAM had announced the election after suspending Valencia. The move came after a former member of Valencia's executive committee filed a complaint with the FAM alleging that he was removed from the committee in an invalid election.

The FAM said it suspended Valencia from football activities until a valid executive committee was formed.

Valencia says the move was taken because they had supported Thorig.

Sports Commissioner Mohammed Tholal, the parent body of Maldivian clubs, has said Valencia's executive committee is valid. Therefore, Thorig's supporters do not believe that there is any reason for the FAM to question the committee.