The Maldives Olympics Committee has appointed MHPA, an independent audit firm, to assess the financial status of sports associations in the country. 

This decision aligns with efforts to strengthen financial governance in the sports sector, according to a circular issued by the Sports Commissioner's Office.

MHPA, known for auditing the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) over the past seven years, will conduct interviews with individual sports associations as part of the financial evaluation process. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Sports Commissioner's Office and the Maldives Olympics Committee to ensure improved transparency and accountability.

The circular also announced plans to provide training on state financial management to individuals responsible for overseeing finances within sports organisations. This training aims to enhance the capability of financial officers in handling their roles more effectively.

Concerns have been raised in the sports sector regarding MHPA’s appointment. Critics point to issues highlighted in the firm’s 2022 audit report on FAM, which flagged financial difficulties within the association. Despite these findings, FAM member clubs approved the report during their 2023 congress without addressing the identified issues.

Addressing these concerns, MHPA clarified that its role as an auditor is focused on assessing and reporting financial matters, not on implementing corrective measures. The firm encouraged stakeholders to review the 2022 FAM audit report for a better understanding of the issues highlighted.

The Sports Commissioner's Office reaffirmed its support for the assessments and pledged to collaborate with the Olympic Committee in overseeing the process.