The decision marks the latest development in a long-running financial misconduct case involving the former FAM president, who had previously been provisionally suspended by FIFA while its independent ethics bodies investigated allegations of financial wrongdoing.

According to FIFA, Jaleel was sanctioned for “misusing FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan funds for his personal benefit.” The relief programme was established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help football associations around the world deal with the severe financial impact of the crisis.

FIFA announced during the pandemic that it would make significant financial assistance available to member associations, including grants and loans, to help protect football operations and support clubs and other stakeholders affected by the disruption caused by COVID-19.

The case involving Jaleel centres on money provided to Maldivian football under that relief programme.

Maldivian authorities had separately investigated allegations surrounding the use of approximately US$1.2 million in FIFA COVID-19 relief funding. Local reporting has said the money was intended to support football activities and clubs but was instead used in connection with the purchase of two penthouse apartments in Malé.

Jaleel’s FIFA case followed a wider financial investigation in the Maldives.

In June 2024, FIFA’s Independent Ethics Committee provisionally suspended Jaleel from taking part in any football-related activity while an investigation into allegations including money laundering, embezzlement and corruption was under way. 

The suspension effectively prevented Jaleel from continuing to participate in football administration while FIFA’s disciplinary process was being conducted.

The allegations were also investigated by Maldivian authorities. The Criminal Court subsequently found Jaleel guilty in a case involving the embezzlement of approximately US$1.2 million in FIFA-provided COVID-19 relief funds, along with other financial offences, according to local reports. 

The criminal proceedings and the FIFA ethics case are separate processes, with FIFA applying its own regulations and disciplinary framework to conduct involving football officials.

From FAM president to lifetime ban

Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) president Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been banned for life from football-related activities by world governing body FIFA.

FIFA said Jaleel was sanctioned for misusing COVID-19 relief funds for his personal benefit.

He has also been fined CHF 1m ($1.23m; £960,000).

Jaleel had previously been provisionally suspended by FIFA while its ethics committee investigated allegations including money laundering, embezzlement and corruption.

The case centres on FIFA funds provided to support football in the Maldives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jaleel, who served as FAM president from 2016, has faced scrutiny over the handling of football association finances. Maldivian authorities have also investigated allegations concerning the use of FIFA relief funds.

FIFA’s lifetime ban prevents Jaleel from participating in football-related activities under its jurisdiction.

The sanction is one of the strongest disciplinary measures available to FIFA and brings a major international sporting penalty against a former head of Maldivian football.

Maziya Sports and Recreation Club began their Dhivehi Premier League campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Odi Sports Club, earning three points in a closely contested opening fixture at Galolhu Stadium.

The defending champions made the decisive breakthrough in a match in which both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities, with Maziya’s greater experience ultimately proving enough to secure the win.

The result gives Maziya an early advantage in the title race, while Odi are left to reflect on a disciplined performance that yielded no reward.

Maziya, who have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in Maldivian football, entered the match as favourites.

The Maldives Under-20 national team responded emphatically to recent disappointment on the regional stage, producing a commanding 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka in their second match of the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The result marks another impressive performance from the young Maldivian side, who have now won both of their qualifying matches without conceding a goal.

Two games. Two wins. Two clean sheets.

More importantly, the victory has secured the Maldives’ place in the qualification phase of the next AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers, giving the team another opportunity to compete on the continental stage.

The emphatic scoreline reflected a performance built on control, intensity and attacking confidence, as the Maldives maintained their grip on the contest and consistently threatened the Sri Lankan defence.

After opening their campaign with a victory, the young national team entered the second fixture knowing that another positive result would strengthen their position in the group. They delivered in style, scoring four times while once again keeping their opponents at bay.

The clean sheet was particularly significant. Across their opening two matches, the Maldives have demonstrated defensive discipline alongside their attacking threat, establishing a perfect record at the start of the campaign.

The 4-0 victory also provides a welcome boost following the disappointment of the recent SAFF campaign. Rather than allowing that setback to define their season, the U20 side has responded with character, determination and two convincing results.

For a generation of players seeking to establish themselves in Maldivian football, the qualifiers represent an important opportunity to gain international experience and compete against some of Asia’s emerging talents.

And so far, they have taken that opportunity.

With two victories from two matches, four goals scored in their latest outing and no goals conceded across the campaign, the Maldives U20s have sent a clear message: they are not simply here to participate.

They are here to compete.

The immediate objective has been achieved with qualification secured, but the young side will now look to finish the campaign strongly and carry their momentum into the next stage.

From SAFF heartbreak to continental ambition, the Maldives U20 team has responded in the best possible way,  with results. Two games. Two wins. Two clean sheets. And a place secured in the next qualification phase.