FIFA suspends embattled Maldives FA chief for nine months

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adil Jaleel has been suspended for nine months by FIFA over allegations of money laundering and corruption.

FIFA's Independent Ethics Committee decided to suspend Bassam on Thursday. The decision also came based on the investigation requested by the Prosecutor General (PG) against him.

FIFA's decision will prevent Bassam from participating in any football-related activities for the next nine months. These include domestic and international football activities.

The action was taken under Article 86 of the FIFA Code of Ethics (FCE). The suspension will come into force with immediate effect for which he has been notified.

FIFA began investigating the corruption and money laundering allegations against Bassam after police raided the FAM office on the orders of Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem.

Bassam is accused of using FIFA funds to commit corruption and money laundering through the FAM. He has since been formally charged.

FIFA said the Chairperson of the Investigatory Chamber concluded that there was a 'prima facie' case as per Article 62, paragraph 1 of the FCE, taking into account the relevant information and documents obtained during the preliminary stage of investigations into allegations against Bassam.

The FCE has also decided to launch a formal investigation.