Scheduled matches in the Dhivehi Premier League have been postponed.

While President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Vice President-elect Faisal Naseem’s swearing-in ceremony is to be held at the Galolhu stadium on November 17, Football Association of Maldives (FAM) said that the stadium has been handed over for preparations from Friday.

The stadium will be returned to them on November 18.

Hence the matches scheduled for November 11, 12, 15 and 16 have been postponed.

FAM said that the People’s Majlis has ordered them to not allow anyone into the stadium during this period, without prior permission from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

It also expressed concern over having to constantly delay scheduled matches and cancel tournament due to the government using the stadium for various purposes, noting that clubs face ‘economic losses’ because of this.

FAM added that this could have negative effects on Maldivian football.

Noting that it was forced to bring multiple changes to the tournament calendar, FAM further expressed concern over some media stations ‘defaming’ the association over the matter.

While it was forced to cancel this year’s President’s Cup and FA Cup, FAM said that it was done after discussions with the clubs.