FIFA President Gianni Infantino has arrived in the Maldives, marking his first official visit to the country since assuming the role.

Infantino was received at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Friday morning. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and a friendly football match between the two leaders is set to take place at Galolhu Stadium on Friday evening.

This visit follows Infantino’s unofficial trip to the Maldives for vacation after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. It also marks the first official visit by a sitting FIFA President to the Maldives since 2006, when then-President Sepp Blatter toured countries affected by the 2004 tsunami. During that visit, Blatter met with then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Infantino’s trip is seen as a historic moment for Maldivian football, highlighting the growing international attention on the country’s sporting developments.