K. Male'
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24 Oct 2025 | Fri 17:37
FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Maldives
FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Maldives
FAM
FIFA President in Maldives
FIFA President Infantino makes historic visit to Maldives
FIFA President Infantino's landmark visit to the Maldives brings a touch of football diplomacy as he prepares for a friendly match with President Muizzu. This historic visit, the first official one by a FIFA President in nearly two decades, signals a promising new chapter for Maldivian football on the international stage.

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.

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