The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has approved major reforms to its governing regulations and constitution during its latest congress, held at the Meeruma Events Hall in Malé.

The session, attended by 21 out of 23 voting clubs, marked the first general congress since the association was placed under the leadership of a FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee.

The amendments, which were unanimously adopted, include significant structural and policy changes aimed at strengthening transparency, representation, and accountability within the national football body. Among the key revisions is the expansion of voting membership to all First and Second Division clubs, replacing the previous zonal representation model and reducing the influence of Third Division clubs in governance matters.

The updated constitution increases the number of member clubs to 23, comprising 10 First Division and 13 Second Division clubs. As a result, clubs previously granted voting rights under zonal representation will no longer be included in future congresses.

In addition to restructuring membership, the reforms require that the FAM executive body include at least two female representatives. The newly adopted statutes also oblige the governing body to develop and present a comprehensive framework for women’s football within one year of implementation.

To enhance transparency, the revised rules mandate the public disclosure of financial governance information, including audit reports, annual budgets, and the remuneration of elected officials. Large financial transactions, investments, and contractual commitments will require prior approval from an oversight committee.

The congress also adopted a new electoral code, raising the threshold for candidacy nominations. Prospective candidates must now submit endorsements from at least five clubs, two of which must be from the First Division.

In addition to passing the amendments, the congress approved FAM’s annual reports and audited financial statements for 2023 and 2024. The date for electing a new FAM executive committee was confirmed for July 26, 2025, in line with the mandate to restore full governance before its term ends.