Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, has announced that efforts are underway to provide regular salaries to members of the Maldives National Futsal Team starting next year.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Rafiu addressed the long-standing grievances within the futsal community. He acknowledged the concerns regarding the current lack of financial support and confirmed that a new organizational framework is being established to reform the system. The Minister assured that the government will work to include the necessary funding for player salaries in the 2027 state budget.

The Minister further explained that providing allowances to national-level athletes is contingent upon specific criteria, such as the existence of sanctioned national tournaments. He noted that the ministry is currently in the phase of structuring these systems to ensure futsal is accorded its rightful status among Maldivian sports.

Futsal is widely regarded as the most popular sport among Maldivian youth, with numerous competitions held across various atolls and islands throughout the year. The push for professionalization gained momentum following the national team’s historic achievement in winning the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship men’s division title.