FIFA appoints normalisation committee for Maldives football body

FIFA has decided to transfer the responsibility of implementing reforms within the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) to a normalisation committee.

In a statement, FIFA explained that this decision was made after consulting with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The Normalisation Committee, established by FIFA, aims to address violations of rules within FIFA member associations. The committee will consist of members from the country, and it is expected to organise the FAM election no later than July 31, 2025.

Atoll Times has learned that FIFA has requested the names of some of the most experienced players in the country.

The FIFA review committee will assess their competence before determining appointments to the committee, with input from the AFC consultation.

The term of the former executive committee, which failed to hold a new FAM election, has now expired. The FAM faced disruptions following an investigation by the police into the expulsion of then-President Bassam Adil Jaleel and allegations of embezzlement of foreign funds.

Currently, two charges related to money laundering offences are pending against Bassam in the Criminal Court. FIFA has also suspended Bassam from football activities for six months.

Despite the expired exco's authority, those opposing Bassam view FIFA's decision to entrust the FAM to a normalisation committee as a victory.

"Bassam tried to suspend the FAM. That did not happen. So, this is a victory," said a senior member of the group working against Bassam, speaking on condition of anonymity. All FAM activities will resume under the normalisation committee.