RAM Raises Concern Over Ministry’s Letter To International Bodies

MV+ News Desk | November 16, 2025
Photo: Racing Association of the Maldives

The Racing Association of Maldives (RAM) has expressed serious concern over a letter sent by the Sports Ministry to international motorsport bodies, which the association believes undermines its position as the official motorsport authority in the country.

In a statement issued on 12 November, RAM said it received an urgent email from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) containing a letter signed by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu. The ministry’s letter reportedly stated that motorsport activities in the Maldives are overseen by a separate organisation, the Maldives Motor Racing Association (MMRA), and requested that the FIA and the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) endorse MMRA.

RAM has been promoting motorsports in the Maldives for the past seven years and was granted FIA membership at the FIA General Assembly in December 2024. The association was also in the final stage of securing FIM membership and had received an invitation to attend the FIM General Assembly this December.

Following the ministry’s correspondence, RAM said it was informed that it had been removed from the upcoming FIM assembly and that the issue is now being reviewed by a dedicated FIA committee. FIM has also written to the Sports Ministry seeking clarification on the matter.

RAM stated that MMRA has not conducted any motorsport activities since 2016 and has made no sustained effort to develop the sport. The association said it is unclear why the ministry opted to endorse an inactive group and warned that the decision could harm the integrity of motorsport governance in the Maldives.

RAM noted that it is registered with the Commissioner of Sports and is recognised by the Maldives Olympic Committee, which reaffirmed its suitability to represent the country in both FIA and FIM in a letter dated 19 November 2023. The association also referred to a confirmation issued by the Sports Ministry on 7 January acknowledging its provisional national status.

RAM added that it has been unable to host any events this year due to a government-imposed suspension issued in December 2024, which it said was unrelated to the sport. Despite assurances of compensation, the association said no action has been taken and it has yet to receive a formal explanation for the suspension.

RAM stated that it has not received any communication from government ministries explaining the reason for the halt in events and noted that it previously hosted at least seven events annually. The association said it has now been sidelined without cause.

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