Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof has revealed plans to give the futsal turf ground in Maafannu stadium, for free.

While the turf was being leased for rates between MVR 500 – 2,000 for an hour before this was announced, Minister Mahloof announced via twitter that the turf ground will be lent for free from Wednesday onward.

The turf ground has been lent to the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) from 2pm to 6pm.

Interested parties can book the turf ground at any time of the day, by listing their names at the Ekuveni Center.

A reliable source revealed that the decision comes following several complaints by the public who wish to use the turf grounds at times fitting their convenience.

The ministry is working in cooperation with the FAM, working through legal procedures to lend other turf grounds in the capital city for free as well. As some of the bigger turf grounds are not yet under the control of the ministry because of regulations set during the previous administration, the ministry is currently working through legal procedures to take control over them as well.