Audit Exposes Deep Mismanagement in Maldives Football Training Project

A major government-backed sports initiative aimed at developing football talent in the Maldives has come under serious scrutiny, after an audit uncovered widespread corruption, mismanagement, and regulatory violations. The project, initiated in 2018 to build a football training school in Hulhumalé, remains incomplete despite millions in public funds already spent.

Origins of the Project and Oversight Concerns

The training school was a high-profile presidential pledge made by former President Abdulla Yameen, and was jointly managed by the President’s Office, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, and the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

While the project was intended to nurture young talent and boost national sports infrastructure, the recent audit paints a starkly different picture. The Auditor General’s Office has referred the case to the Anti-Corruption Commission, citing serious financial and procedural violations.

One of the most alarming revelations is that the project, valued at MVR 38.5 million, was not funded through the regular state budget. Instead, it drew from the 2018 contingency budget—a move that contravenes public finance regulations. According to those regulations, contingency spending must not exceed five percent of the allocated budget of any government office.

This deviation from protocol raises questions about how the project was approved and why it bypassed essential budgetary scrutiny.

Procurement Irregularities and Questionable Contractor Selection

Further audit findings reveal that the Ministry of Sports failed to comply with mandatory procurement procedures. Contracts exceeding MVR 2.5 million are required to go through the National Tender Board—a step that was entirely skipped. The report also criticized the decision to award the project to FAM without adequate justification.

Despite receiving eight bids for the construction, FAM disqualified three companies due to cost and timeline concerns. Ironically, the accepted bid turned out to be more expensive than two of the rejected offers. The audit found no documented explanation for this inconsistency.

Duplicate Payments and Unverified Progress

In a move that further clouds the integrity of the process, FAM awarded a separate contract worth MVR 9.9 million to the selected contractor for work already included in the original project scope. This resulted in the state paying twice for the same tasks.

Additionally, MVR 20.4 million in progress payments were made without appropriate documentation or signatures. Payment records lacked authorization, and the individuals who approved the payments have not been identified. An alarming MVR 17.4 million was disbursed without confirming whether the contracted work had even been completed.

No Penalties for Delays and an Unfinished Facility

The initial plan set a 90-day timeline for the project's completion. However, years later, the facility remains unfinished. Despite this, MVR 32.3 million—amounting to 84 percent of the total project budget—had already been disbursed. The absence of a penalty clause for delays only exacerbates the financial irresponsibility.

Due to the failure to begin construction, the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced its decision to reclaim the land that was allocated for the school.

The project was overseen by FAM’s former president, Bassam Adeel Jaleel, who is currently on trial over separate corruption charges. He has since been suspended by FIFA, adding another layer of controversy to FAM’s leadership and credibility.

The audit findings offer a stark reminder of how lack of oversight and transparency can undermine public initiatives. What began as a hopeful step toward sports development has turned into a case study in mismanagement. With the Anti-Corruption Commission now involved, further investigations may hold those responsible accountable. For now, however, the absence of a football training school in Hulhumalé remains a visible symbol of failed governance and broken promises.