Bassam Adeel Jaleel Seeks High Court Review Over Alleged Misuse of Funds for Hulhumalé Apartments

Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has petitioned the High Court to review a decision by the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court regarding two penthouses allegedly purchased using FAM funds during his tenure.

Bassam’s appeal comes after the Hulhumalé Magistrate Court ordered the handover of the two penthouses, located in Amin Avenue's A block, to the police. The properties were allegedly bought with $1 million of FAM's funds during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite Bassam's efforts, the High Court Registrar refused to entertain the appeal, prompting him to seek a review of the registrar's decision last Thursday.

The police, who are investigating the case, claim that FAM funds were used to purchase the apartments through a payment made to Amin Construction. The company is also accused of fabricating documents to make it appear as though the transaction was a legitimate dollar-based purchase. Last month, a formal chargesheet was filed against Bassam concerning the alleged misuse of funds, and authorities have requested that the Prosecutor General’s Office file a formal First Information Report (FIR) against Amin Construction.

Bassam's legal challenge comes as authorities continue to probe the case, which has drawn significant public attention due to the scale of the alleged financial misappropriation.