FAM elections warms up!

The FIFA Interim Committee have opened the door for interested members to propose candidates for the posts of President and Executive Committee membership.

With just two weeks to go for the entry deadline of 16 July, two factions seem to be emerging to compete for the Presidency. One is headed by New Radiant Chairman Ali Azim and the other a surprising associate of the club, the previously deposed, but widely respected ex. National Captain and Cup winning coach for New Radiant, Mohamed Kaleem.

Behind Azim stands Hiyalee, a rather tarnished but vibrant CEO. Behind Kaleem is the equally famous Mattey. Mattey is said by some to have back paddled from contesting the FAM Presidency, making way for Kaleem to emerge the front runner.

Most of the other first division clubs seem content with a seat on the executive committee.

Both parties contesting the leadership of the FAM are equally backed with the best playing and management experience this country can offer. This definitely is the upside.

There however is the downside. That is the issue of voter eligibility. The FIFA Interim Committee claims that the 5 year uninturrupted participation clause excluding the two third majority of upto 60 football playing island based clubs was a condition specified by the FIFA. This appears strange as the FIFA have claimed in their 2006 Big Count that they could statistically verify sixty (60) associated football clubs in the Maldives.

The FIFA Interim Committee makes the preposterous claim that ONLY Eleven (11) clubs are entitled to vote to elect the President and executive committee of the FAM. The FAM is a over 90 member strong association with upto 80 member clubs participating in FAM organised competitions annually, throught this island nation. Someone, somewhere needs some serious answers ready for the island based majority clubs who are being taken for a free ride in this FAM's historical first election.

We will have to wait and see how this landmark election takes shape!