The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is expected to have a debt of over MVR 85 million, according to the chairman of the agency’s normalization committee, Ahmed Zuhoor.

At a press conference held by the FAM Normalization Committee at the Galolhu Stadium this evening, Zuhoor said the debt so far is between MVR 30 million and MVR 35 million.

"Although we are not quite factually sure yet, it is expected to be over MVR 85 million from the information we have so far. Whether it is payments due to the state and for utilities or claims from technical hires. Given all these factors, our debt is likely to increase,” he said.

Zuhoor said there is no money in any of the FAM accounts, adding that the bank deducts money as soon as it enters an account according to the court orders. He said he would consult with various parties to restructure the debt.

“Our hope is that despite being in debt like this, we can talk to all those who are helping us to restructure the debt, try to get the money we owe as well, structure and hire strong staff for the place as we barely start generating revenue,” he said.

Zuhoor said there will be things that can and cannot be done within a year. He said he hoped to overcome the debt and establish the FAM as a good institution within a year.

The amount owed to the government-owned companies is also about MVR 10 million. Therefore, the companies are currently in discussions to find ways to pay the money in installments. Zuhoor also noted that the salaries of the FAM employees have not been paid.

Former FAM president Bassam Adeel Jaleel is the main FAM official accused of embezzlement.