Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof has stated that the government has begun work to take over control of the futsal grounds in the Greater Male’ Region. He made the remarks while responding to a question at the Parliament of the Maldives regarding the issues faced by Male’ residents in reserving the grounds.
Speaking at the Parliament, Minister Mahloof acknowledged that many residents have expressed concern over having to pay a high price to reserve the futsal grounds. The minister said that discussions are being held with all relevant parties to solve the issue. He noted that individuals currently have to pay as much as USD400-600 to book reservations twice a week but expressed confidence that the government will be able to come to a solution and take over the futsal grounds to allow individuals to book reservations online.
Currently, most of the futsal grounds in Male’ are controlled by sports clubs and non-members have to pay an exorbitant price to make reservations. Individuals also find it difficult to book futsal grounds controlled by the youth ministry and the Football Association of the Maldives (FAM) as they are mostly used by registered football club academies.