Will not stop individuals from criticizing the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), as criticism is important to bring amends, claims its president, Bassam Adeel Jaleel.
This comes at a time two of the biggest criticizers of the association of recent, renowned coach Ali Suzain and celebrated goalkeeper Imran Mohamed were selected to the National Football Team.
Following Suzain and Imran’s appointment, FAM drew criticism from people once more, who claim that this was a move to bring an end to criticism towards the association.
Speaking at the ceremony on Saturday, President Bassam stated that he had encouraged the newly appointed Assistant Coach, Suzain to criticize things related to Maldives football. He stated that this was encouraged as he believes he cannot be everywhere at once and thus, observers must criticize the things that are being done wrong, if observed.
Bassam said that only then will the association be able to bring reforms to wrongdoings.
Even now I will urge Suzain and Imran to continue speaking out about things that are being done wrong. I will not back down due to criticism. I will not cover the mouths of people who criticize FAM. That is not something I will do”FAM President Bassam
Suzain and Imran have joined the national team, at a time the FAM is preparing for the upcoming FAM elections.
The association reached the decision to prepone the elections for FAM leadership earlier and submitted a motion to FAM's executive committee, which has since been approved. The committee has since decided to hold elections within the upcoming 45 days.
Bassam was elected president of FAM during November 2016 after contesting for the position against former football star, Ahmed Thoriq and three football clubs from the first division have endorsed his re-election.
