Paul Thomas Smalley, the appointed Technical Director of FAM in July, assumed the role with optimistic promises to transform the nation's football landscape. Having a substantial background in football activities in Bangladesh, Smalley was expected to bring valuable regional expertise to benefit the Maldives. His appointment as the Technical Director was endorsed by experienced coaches within the country.
Currently, Smalley, like two foreign experts who previously held the position of the country's technical director, is on inactive duty. Despite the high expectations placed on him, the FAM decided to grant him leave in less than six months after his appointment, thereby halting the coaching education programs initially outlined for his continuous involvement.
Mohamed Jaushan Shareef, the General Secretary of FAM, clarified that Smalley was not present in the country at the beginning of his tenure. However, he assured that some ongoing work is being carried out even though Smalley is currently abroad.
He mentioned that efforts are underway to facilitate foreign training opportunities for local referees. A local referee has been selected to participate in a program in Malaysia next month, according to Jaushan.
However, Smalley's primary responsibility extends beyond referee training programs; he is actively engaged in direct technical initiatives for the development of football in the country. FAM has a dedicated Referees Department for referee development, and Smalley's focus is on broader technical aspects of football in the nation.
Taking charge with a considerable salary, Smalley expressed optimism about the potential of the country's football compared to Bangladesh. While he assumed the role of the country's technical director, FAM has chosen not to disclose his salary, which is covered by the Qatar Football Association.
In his previous role in Bangladesh, Smalley earned a salary of $15,000 (MVR 231,300). Reports from local media indicated that he left his position in Bangladesh with one year remaining on his contract, as the Bangladesh Football Association was unwilling to raise his salary. However, Smalley clarified during a press conference in the Maldives that salary was not the reason for his departure from Bangladesh. Addressing the press, Bassam stated, "No one will come for a salary below what he’s being paid.”
"We have engaged in discussions with the Qatar Federation to maintain confidentiality regarding the actual salary. We strongly prefer it to remain undisclosed," Bassam emphasized in a statement.
"No one would accept a lower salary. It falls within the range of [$15,000] or slightly higher, give or take 10 percent. The remuneration is kept undisclosed in accordance with our agreement with Qatar, and we wish to uphold that arrangement."
Smalley is not the first professional to depart the country without any actual assignments. Seven foreign coaches, initially hired to work at the football school in Hulhumalé, also left, in their cases without even receiving their due payments.