hajam.ai
26 September 2026
Sports

Sports

On 26 September 2026, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee waived USD 253,030 (approximately MVR 3.9 million) that the Maldives was required to repay in connection with funds misappropriated during the tenure of former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel. Additionally, with the lifting of the financial suspension imposed against the FAM since 2024, the opportunity has reopened for the Maldives to apply for AFC financial and development assistance starting next year.

AFC forgives Maldives' debt and lifts financial suspension

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has forgiven a debt of USD 253,030 (approximately MVR 3.9 million) owed by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) and lifted the financial suspension imposed against the Maldives, FAM revealed on 26 September 2026. While this money was ordered by the AFC to be recovered after an audit revealed it had been misused during the FAM's previous leadership, AFC assistance to the Maldives had been suspended since 2024 in connection with that debt. Additionally, following this decision by the AFC Executive Committee based on a request by the FAM's current administration, the opportunity has opened up for the Maldives to reapply for AFC financial assistance programs starting next year.

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Politics

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his wife Sajidha Mohamed departed on an unofficial visit to Singapore on Saturday night, 26 September 2026. Chief Justice Ahmed Abdul Ghanee Mohamed announced that a plot of land has been allocated from a prominent area of Malé for the construction of a Supreme Court building. The opposition has directed heavy criticism at the government regarding the Ras Malé project. Preparations are now underway to resume the 'Ahaa' forum, held to provide citizens with the opportunity to question the government. Former Vice President Dr. Mohamed Jameel Ahmed questioned and criticized the competence of Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla. Furthermore, the Mayor of Addu City has faced significant public pressure due to delays in the Addu Link Road project.

 Economy

Despite international concerns regarding the Maldives' debt servicing capacity, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has provided assurance that debts will continue to be serviced regularly without assistance from the IMF. The government has initiated efforts to acquire a large dredger for MTCC to expedite land and lagoon dredging projects. The project to relocate the Malé Commercial Port to Thilafushi is being carried out under 100 percent state ownership, aiming for completion by November 2027. To ease convenience for fishermen and the general public, arrangements have been made to provide fuel at STO's official prices in 8 islands. As cost-reduction measures are being taken for state-owned enterprises, decisions have been made regarding Bank of Maldives flat works and prioritizing Maldivian businesses. Concerns have been revealed regarding high expenses and losses at Kulhudhuffushi Port. Coinciding with the December school holidays, Maldivian has decided to operate special direct flights between Malé and Bangkok every Tuesday from 8 December 2026 to 19 January 2027, with fares starting from 530 dollars.

 Security

On 26 September 2026, Immigration made it mandatory for inbound and outbound flights in the Maldives to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, deciding to fine violators MVR 2,000. The government is working to establish an open island prison across an entire island in the Maldives by the end of this year for inmates to engage in work such as agriculture. Police investigations into the unauthorized opening of lockers at the Housing Ministry confirmed that no documents were missing. Following the filing of a report regarding an attack on a Raajje TV crew in Dh. Meedhoo, police desk officers requested that it be submitted on an official working day. The Criminal Court ordered 32-year-old Naushad Moosa to be detained until the end of his trial for repeatedly vandalizing mosques and inciting disorder in Male'. The Criminal Court sentenced Moosa Naafi'u, who confessed to the crime, to 5 months and 27 days in prison for pushing a woman down the stairs of a gym and mugging her. Police are investigating a robbery involving goods seen in a YouTube video. In addition, relevant authorities are also looking into a case of reckless motorcycle driving on Boduthakurufaanu Magu and cases of attacks against police officers.