Prosecutor General Provides Update on FAM Fraud Case with Normalisation Committee and FIFA Delegation

Prosecutor General (PG) Abbas Shareef provided the latest updates on the fraud case involving the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) during a meeting with the FAM’s Normalisation Committee and a delegation from FIFA. The meeting, held at Hotel Jen in Malé, was convened at the invitation of the FAM's Normalisation Committee to discuss the ongoing criminal investigation and the way forward for the troubled association.

During the meeting, PG Abbas Shareef outlined the progress of the investigation into the alleged embezzlement of significant funds from the FAM, stressing the importance of accountability and the recovery of misappropriated assets. The discussion also focused on strategies to reclaim the money and property lost as a result of the financial mismanagement within the association.

The FAM's Normalisation Committee, which was appointed by FIFA to restore governance and stability within the association, highlighted the challenges it faces in rebuilding the organisation amid ongoing legal investigations into its former leadership. PG Abbas assured the committee of his office’s full cooperation with other investigative agencies to address these challenges and ensure justice is served.

“The role of the Normalisation Committee is crucial in preventing the recurrence of such fraudulent activities within the FAM,” PG Abbas Shareef emphasized during the meeting. He also reiterated the importance of strengthening internal controls and governance mechanisms within the association to prevent future misconduct.

The case stems from allegations raised last year that senior officials within the FAM embezzled funds intended for the development of football in the Maldives, including donations from various sources. On October 22 of the previous year, the Prosecutor General’s Office called for a thorough investigation into these allegations, marking the beginning of a complex inquiry into the association’s financial dealings.

FIFA’s involvement through the Normalisation Committee is part of a broader effort to restore normalcy and credibility within the FAM, as the association works to navigate the legal and administrative repercussions of the fraud case. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to uphold transparency and ensure that such issues do not reoccur, as FAM and its stakeholders continue to rebuild trust in Maldivian football governance.

The outcome of the ongoing investigations will be pivotal in determining the future of the FAM and its leadership, as the association strives to recover from the damaging impact of the scandal.