The Palestine Under-17 national football team has arrived in the Maldives for a training camp ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The visit was arranged at the special initiative of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The team was warmly welcomed at Velana International Airport on Monday by Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu and Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Ahmed Thoriq.
The Palestinian delegation will train in the Maldives until November 19, with accommodation and meals provided by the Sports Ministry. FAM will cover all logistical expenses.
Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu (C) and Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Ahmed Thoriq (L) speak with Palestinian U-17 football team officials, November 10, 2025. (Photo/Sports Ministry)
Two friendly matches are scheduled between the Palestinian and Maldivian U-17 teams—on Thursday and Saturday. To support Palestinian football, FAM will sell souvenir tickets for the matches:
Platinum tickets: MVR 1,000 (50 VVIP seats)  
Gold tickets: MVR 500 (200 seats)
Proceeds will be donated to the Palestinian team.
The Palestine Under-17 national football team arrives in Maldives for a training camp ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, November 10, 2025. (Photo/Sports Ministry)
A task force has been formed to oversee the delegation, comprising officials from four agencies: six from the Sports Ministry, four from FAM, five from Maldives Police Service, and one from MNDF.
Palestine will compete in Group D of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualifiers, with matches scheduled in India. The Maldivian government has allocated MVR 546,000 to support the full delegation.