Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President and Mahibadhoo MP Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) says the introduction of an official national futsal league is aimed at solving long-standing challenges faced by futsal players in the Maldives.

Although the Maldives national futsal team recently won the SAFF Futsal Championship, players still do not receive the same benefits as national football players. They are currently not eligible for special national team salaries, insurance coverage, or recognition at sports award ceremonies.

Speaking at recent press conferences, FAM officials said player salaries can only be introduced under the current policy if a national tournament is officially held. Officials expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon, with a full solution expected next year.

FAM also announced that the Club Maldives Cup will become the top tier of futsal in the country. The tournament is part of broader changes to the Maldivian football structure, which now divides the country into four regions for competitions.

Thoriq said the new futsal league is an important step toward supporting players financially and maintaining the sport’s recent success. Teams will qualify for the Club Maldives Cup through competitions held across the atolls.