President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday participated in the football festival organised under the invitation of the President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Ahmed Thoriq.

This is Infantino’s first official visit to the Maldives. The festival was attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and other senior Government officials.

Adding to the excitement of the occasion, Italian World Cup winner Marco Materazzi and Maldivian football legends also participated in the exhibition match, delighting fans and players alike.

During his visit, President Infantino held discussions with President Dr Muizzu and FAM officials on further developing the Maldives’ football industry, including areas such as infrastructure, training, and youth development.

The festival served as a celebration of the country’s growing football culture and highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering the sport’s continued progress across the Maldives.