Gianni Infantino, President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), arrived in the Maldives on Friday for a one-day visit intended to reinforce governance and support efforts to revitalise football in the island nation. The trip marked the first time in 19 years that a FIFA president had travelled to Malé, restoring a level of high-profile presence not seen in nearly two decades.
Infantino was received at Velana International Airport with a formal ceremony. Senior political and sporting figures were present, including Thoriq Ibrahim, the Minister of Tourism and Environment; Ahmed Thoriq, President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM); Prince Rufus, FIFA’s Regional Development Manager for South Asia; and Mohamed Tholal, the Commissioner of Sports of the Maldives.
Officials from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation joined the delegation, alongside members of the Maldivian football community. Cultural items were presented to mark the occasion. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of FAM President Thoriq.
Infantino, 55, a Swiss-Italian, is recognised for a leadership style that stresses direct engagement and reform. His presence in Malé was intended to lend weight to the FAM’s efforts to stabilise and advance football in the country.
The agenda focused on several priorities: reinforcing governance structures within the FAM, restoring the financial systems of local clubs, and ensuring that players’ rights are upheld. Retaining skilled players within the national football system was also identified as a central objective.
Infantino’s programme extended beyond the football association. He is scheduled to meet President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and to hold discussions with representatives of Maldivian clubs, underscoring the political and institutional dimensions of the visit.