Football Association of Maldives states the scheduled match against China in the World Cup qualifying game cannot be played at Galolhu Stadium due the damage on the football grounds.
According to Mr. Mohamed Saweed، Chairman of FAM’s Normalizing Committee، talks are in place to schedule the match at China. However should China refuse the match to be played in their home، then a country of Maldives’ choice will be selected as the venue.
“If China does not agree to play the match at their home، then the match will be scheduled at a neutral stadium. Maldives has the option of choosing from either Sri Lanka، Dubai or Qatar. However our first attempt is to see if China accepts the game at their home” Saweed said.
Saweed had highlighted that the Galolhu Stadium – national football stadium – will go under a two month of renovation process on its football grounds، as the turf grass had been badly damaged. He had also stressed that after the two month renovation period، the national stadium will be structured accordingly to FIFA’s standards.
The renovation of the football field at the national stadium will be carried under the supervision of experts from Qatar.
The grass field at the stadium was damaged due to the turf protector laid on the area for the Minivan 50 activities. The protector remained on field for 15 days.