Former Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem has said the Maldives has full authority to investigate the embezzlement case involving former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, even without FIFA’s approval.

Bassam is accused of embezzling USD 1.2 million from FAM, allegedly using the funds to secure apartments from Ameen Avenue. He has been charged with embezzlement and money laundering in a case first filed in 2018. He is already serving a nine-year sentence on related convictions.

Bassam’s defense argues that funds provided by FIFA fall under FIFA’s jurisdiction and should be investigated by FIFA’s ethics mechanisms. His lawyers say neither FIFA nor FAM submitted the case to Maldivian authorities and that such matters are typically handled through sports-related arbitration bodies.

However, the Criminal Court ruled that the case can proceed without FIFA’s permission. Bassam has appealed the decision at the High Court.

Commenting on the case on his personal blog, Shameem said Article 12 of the Penal Code gives Maldivian authorities jurisdiction over offences committed in the Maldives, including crimes committed by Maldivian citizens. He stressed that FAM acts with government approval and handles funds meant for developing football in the Maldives. “The funds given to FAM by FIFA for football development ultimately is funds given to the people he said, adding that FIFA suspension would not prevent the Maldives from investigating criminal acts.

The State has also argued that FIFA membership does not grant immunity from Maldivian law. Judge Mohamed Misbah agreed, stating that the country’s criminal justice system takes precedence over FIFA regulations. He noted that neither FIFA nor FAM has objected to the ongoing trial.

Bassam’s legal team has stated they will continue to appeal the ruling.