The Maldives football scene is at a critical juncture as the interim committee works diligently to re-establish rules, regulations, and effective management practices in the wake of widespread mismanagement under former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel.

Following his recent legal troubles and the High Court's rejection of his appeal regarding the confiscation of his properties, the urgent need for reform within FAM has never been more apparent. Bassam's tenure is marked by allegations of financial irregularities and a lack of transparency, leading to a near collapse of the sport in the country.

The newly formed interim committee has been tasked with implementing essential changes to restore confidence in Maldivian football. Their primary objectives include:

• Re-establishing Governance Structures: The committee is focused on creating a robust governance framework that includes clear policies and procedures to ensure accountability and transparency within FAM.
• Financial Oversight: A thorough audit of FAM's finances is underway to assess the extent of mismanagement and to ensure that funds are allocated effectively to develop the sport. This includes reviewing past expenditures and establishing a more transparent budgeting process.
• Regulatory Compliance: The interim committee is working to align FAM’s operations with international standards set by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This includes updating regulations concerning player contracts, transfers, and club management.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Efforts are being made to involve various stakeholders, including clubs, players, and fans, in the decision-making process. This engagement aims to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for the future of football in the Maldives.
• Capacity Building: The committee is also focused on building the capacity of FAM's staff and affiliated clubs through training and development programs. This will help improve the overall management of the sport and ensure a more professional approach moving forward.

As the interim committee continues its work, there is a palpable sense of urgency to restore stability and integrity to Maldivian football. The community remains hopeful that these reforms will lead to a brighter future for the sport, allowing it to recover from the detrimental effects of Bassam’s mismanagement and to thrive once again.