The government will begin construction this month on a multi-storey indoor futsal complex, a facility designed to meet international standards and host global competitions. The announcement was made at a press briefing convened to outline the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation’s current initiatives.
Minister Abdulla Rafiu said the decision to establish the complex follows years of public debate over the absence of an indoor futsal pitch, a concern that has intensified in light of the Maldives’ recent and unprecedented achievements in the sport. He confirmed that all logistical and financial arrangements required to launch the project have been finalised, highlighting the speed with which the planning phase has advanced.
“Construction on the indoor futsal complex designated for [Hulhumalé] Phase II will, God willing, commence for us very shortly,” said Minister Rafiu. “Everything required for this initiative is now complete. The budget, the contractors to execute the work, and all associated logistical matters have been fully arranged for us. God willing, this work will break ground within this month.”
The timeline represents a departure from earlier projections. In his Presidential Address at the inaugural session of Parliament on 5 February, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had indicated that construction would begin in April. He described the scope of the project, noting that the facility will include a primary futsal stadium and four additional training pitches, thereby creating infrastructure capable of meeting the rigorous standards required to host international tournaments.
The absence of a dedicated indoor futsal pitch has long been a grievance within the local athletic community. The new complex is expected to strengthen the calibre of the national futsal team, enhance domestic tournaments, and provide critical resources for teams preparing for global contests. The development coincides with the Maldives’ current dominance in regional futsal, underscored by its recent championship victory at the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship.