Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu, has stated that the government is taking the initiative to work on resolving the debt issue of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

The minister made this statement while speaking at the Extraordinary Congress of FAM held by the association.

Addressing the attendees of the congress, the minister revealed that discussions are ongoing with state-owned companies to resolve FAM's debt issue. He also expressed hope that favorable outcomes will be seen when these discussions with the companies conclude.

Minister Rafiu stated that the government is always working to rescue FAM from its current predicament and revive Maldivian football. He added that this effort has been ongoing since the very first day.

While FIFA, the world football governing body, normalized the Maldives last year and appointed a Normalizing Committee, the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation has provided extensive support to that committee.

As such, with the assistance of the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, an office has been established at the Galolhu National Stadium for FAM's operations. The minister highlighted this at FAM's Extraordinary Congress.

Since FIFA appointed the Normalizing Committee, the issue of FAM's debt was also discussed at the first press conference held by the committee. It is estimated that FAM's debt now amounts to approximately MVR 150 million.