Former Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been disqualified from contesting the upcoming presidential elections under revised FAM regulations, which bar candidates prosecuted by FIFA in integrity-related cases or those facing ongoing legal proceedings.

In June 2024, FIFA’s Independent Ethics Committee imposed a nine-month suspension on Bassam over corruption charges, including abuse of power and the misappropriation of FIFA funds. He is also under investigation in the Maldives for fraud and money laundering.

The Prosecutor General’s Office alleges that Bassam misused FAM funds to purchase flats at Amin Avenue and transferred USD 10,000 from FIFA funds into his personal account in 2018 under false pretences. Investigations further reveal that COVID-19 relief funds intended for football clubs were diverted into accounts linked to Bassam’s associates. If convicted, he could face five to fifteen years in prison and a fine between MVR 100,000 and MVR 1 million.

Bassam had previously attempted to contest the 2023 FAM elections, which were suspended by FIFA due to governance concerns. Since then, a FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee has overseen FAM’s operations and introduced key constitutional reforms, including changes to the electoral process.

The election process for FAM’s new executive committee began on June 28. Candidacy submissions close on July 6, with elections scheduled for July 26. The new committee will include a president, two vice presidents, and seven general members.

The Normalisation Committee’s mandate will conclude following the elections. Former FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) is expected to run, having gained growing support from first-division clubs that have withdrawn their backing for Bassam.