President Muizzu and FIFA President Infantino Take Part in Kids’ Football Festival

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and FIFA President Gianni Infantino participated in an exhibition football match held as part of the Kids’ Football Festival organised by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) at the National Stadium on Friday. 

The event was held in conjunction with Infantino’s visit to the Maldives.

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President Dr Muizzu’s team included Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and senior Government officials. FIFA President Infantino’s team featured former Italian footballer Marco Materazzi and several Maldivian football legends. Infantino’s team won the friendly match 6–4.

During the event, President Dr Muizzu and President Infantino jointly unveiled the Diamond Jubilee logo marking 75 years of Maldivian football. They also interacted with children from the festival teams and signed autographs. The occasion drew the participation of First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, students from various academies, and members of the public.

FIFA President Infantino also paid a courtesy call on President Dr Muizzu at the President’s Office later that evening. President Dr Muizzu welcomed Infantino to the Maldives and expressed appreciation for his visit. According to the President’s Office, he reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to developing football infrastructure across the islands and reiterated full support for FAM and its leadership.

Infantino acknowledged the challenges Maldivian football has faced but commended the recent progress. He praised the FAM’s renewed leadership and pledged FIFA’s continued support. He also highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent to help the Maldives gain international recognition not only for its natural beauty but also through football.

Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening football development and exploring new avenues of collaboration between the Maldives and FIFA.