Maldives Soccer Mates (MSM) has launched the 7v7 Veterans League, organized in memory of the late football legend, Mohamed 'Baka' Arif.

The tournament began at the Henveiru Stadium on Monday evening.

The tournament is dedicated to Baka, who was the former national team midfielder, who passed away on 25 June 2024 at the age of 38.

The first match in the tournament's Veterans category for over 40s was played between Muiveyo Friends and Madistars. Muiveyo won the match 2 – 1.

In addition to this, in the first match of the Masters category for those over 50 years, Soccer Veterans Association of Maldives faced Muiveyo Friends. The Soccer Veterans won the match 5 – 1.

The tournament is divided into two categories: Veterans over 40 years of age and Masters over 50 years of age.

A total of 17 teams are competing in the tournament, with nine teams in the Veterans category and eight teams in the Masters category.

The tournament will proceed from Monday through March 29.