An experienced coach from Uzbekistan, Farrukh Zakirov, has been appointed to the Maldives national futsal team in preparation for the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship.

The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) stated that Farrukh will be in charge of the team from December 1 until January 31, 2026.

Farrukh is currently the head coach of the Uzbekistan women's national futsal team. He also guided Uzbekistan through qualification for this year's Asian Women's Futsal Cup in China and coached the team during the tournament.

Additionally, Farrukh is the coach of Neftchi Futsal Club, which competes in the country's futsal league. He is taking charge of the Maldivian team with special approval.

Farrukh is a former national team player.

SAFF's inaugural men's and women's futsal tournaments will both be held in January next year. The women's tournament will run from January 13 to 25, while the men's tournament will take place from January 14 to 26.

Both tournaments will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Nonthaburi Stadium.

The SAFF women's and men's futsal tournaments will be played in a league format. The participating countries in the men's tournament are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The same countries will also compete in the women's tournament.