The Maldives will host the Palestinian Under-17 national football team for a training camp in November, the Ministry of Sports has announced. The initiative comes as full support from the government to help the young athletes prepare for upcoming international matches.
The Palestinian Football Association requested the camp through the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), citing ongoing conflict in their home country. Israeli attacks have made it difficult for Palestinian teams to train or play matches at home. Hosting the camp in the Maldives offers a safe and stable environment for the team to continue their preparations.
The training camp is scheduled from November 8 to 19. During this period, the Palestinian U-17 team will play two friendly matches against the Maldives national youth team. The FAM is expected to announce the venue for the camp in the coming days.
Minister of Sports Abdulla Rafiu met with FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) to finalize preparations and confirm the government’s support for the camp. The Ministry released a statement highlighting the significance of this visit, saying it strengthens ties between the Maldives and Palestine and provides meaningful support to young athletes.
FAM President Tom also assured that the Palestinian team will receive all the assistance needed during their stay in the Maldives. From training facilities to logistical arrangements, the government and FAM are working together to make sure the athletes have a smooth and productive camp.
The upcoming matches against the Maldives youth team will offer both sides valuable experience and exposure to international competition. For the Palestinian team, the camp provides a rare opportunity to train in a peaceful environment while maintaining their competitive edge. For Maldivian youth players, it is a chance to test their skills against an international side and gain experience at a higher level of play.
The Maldives’ hosting of the Palestinian U-17 team reflects the country’s dedication to supporting international sports and building friendships through football. It is a welcome boost to the local football calendar and highlights the role sports can play in connecting communities across borders.
