The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu has met the visiting senior executives of Liverpool FC to discuss the launch of a football academy in the Maldives.
Senior executives from Liverpool Football Club arrived in Malé City this week, advancing a long-term tourism partnership designed to elevate the Maldives‘ global standing as a premier travel destination.
The delegation includes David Paul, Vice President of Partnerships Delivery at Liverpool FC, and Alex Fraser, Director of Global Partnership Sales for the LFC x Visit Maldives initiative.
During the meeting, the Minister also discussed further cooperation in football in the Maldives with the assistance of Liverpool FC. The partnership between Maldives and Liverpool FC will enable Maldivian athletes to access training opportunities to improve their performance under the guidance of Liverpool FC coaches and opportunities to train athletes in both Maldives and the United Kingdom (UK).
The partnership was formally announced on 13 March, when MMPRC designated the Maldives as Liverpool FC's "Official Tourist Destination Partner". Under the terms of the agreement, an extensive international marketing campaign will run for three years and six months, broadening the reach of the Maldivian tourism brand while encouraging an increased influx of visitors.
The initiative officially launched on 3 April, coinciding with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's visit to Liverpool's historic Anfield Stadium.
The partnership also includes high-value activations such as the establishment of a Liverpool Academy in the Maldives, strengthening sports tourism and enhancing destination branding.