Thariq files complaint with FIFA and AFC against FAM

MP Ahmed Thariq (Tom), former president of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), has recently filed a formal complaint with FIFA and AFC against the FAM Electoral Committee, stating that the committee has gone against the laws related to the elections process, and therefore cannot conduct a legitimate election.

The FAM election is scheduled for the 31st of January, with two candidates for the presidency. Thariq is contested by Eagles Vice Chairman Mufawiz Hashim (Mufa).

A letter of support is needed from at least three first division football clubs to be eligible for candidacy, and Thariq was in possession of 3, whilst Hashim had 6. However, there has been a dispute over the legitimacy of the letters of support received by both candidates from Valencia Football Club. Thariq was given a letter by the club’s chairman, Abdullah Azmin, while Hashim was given a letter by the vice chairman, Ilmau Hussain (Mau).

As there is a dispute over who can receive support from the club, the Football Association has decided to cancel both letters of support from Valencia. This choice has resulted in Thariq being left with the support of 2 clubs, and Hashim with the support of 5 clubs.

The result of this was the ruling by FAM that Thariq’s candidacy is illegitimate, and thus it was cancelled. Thariq decided to appeal the Electoral Committee, with a deadline to decide on the outcome of the appeal set 3 days from the date of submission. Despite this, no meeting has been held as a result of a lack of an electoral appeal committee.

Thariq further mentioned that his candidacy submitted with the support of 9 of 18 FAM member clubs was rejected. FAM ruled Valencia’s 2 letters were valid, in line with an article of FIFA’s constitution. The Electoral Appeal Committee had not been decided in Congress according to Article 12 of the FAM Election Rules. The deadline for the decision on his appeal is tomorrow, however the meeting has not been held. In addition, Article 4 of the FAM Electoral Code dictates that the members of the Electoral Committee cannot be elected for two consecutive terms. In violation of this, Electoral Committee Chairman Abdullah Ali (Bonimage, N. Velidhoo) has served three consecutive terms. Vice Chairman Ahmeem Abdul Razzaq (Orchid, B.Ed.) and Abdullah Ali (Male Registration 6090) were elected for second terms, as well.

On the FAM election issue, Commissioner of Sports Mohamed Tholal said that there are many violations of law and regulations in the running of the FAM. Tholal said the best option is to postpone the upcoming FAM elections.

However, despite Tholal's advice, the FAM has been conducting the elections on the advice of FIFA and the AFC.

If Thariq’s candidacy is not valid on appeal, the FAM election will not take place and Hashim and his board will automatically be given the Presidency and other official positions.