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When I grew up as a kid, Galolhu Stadium did not have seating. We used to play in the reclaimed area which was covered in stones and mud and water during rainy season. We sometimes have to drain the water by our hands to play. Then we had the determination and dedication to play. Today these features do not exist, for many reasons. Over the years the government has developed the area by re-filling and leveling and making more playable. Artificial turfs have been developed and are being used by the clubs and others for recreational events. Players have moved from being totally volunteer players to semi-professional and some even to professional players. All these are major strides that the country has taken towards the development of football in the country. These achievements cannot be dedicated to one particular individual or a group. It is the combined effort of the government, the clubs, the players, and the spectators. It was a team effort.

Now the question is where do we stand now? FAM is now governed by an elected body. The government has changed. Player’s demands are changing and even the expectation of the public is changing. More is expected from all related parties. But do we get it? Or are we moving towards it? Or do we even realize that time has changed and the product to offer has to be modified? Frankly speaking I don’t think so. And sadly, in my opinion, while more is demanded, less is being done, especially by the government. But why?

In this region and in developing countries, most of the time the government is the major sponsor. Not without reason. This has been the case in Maldives, ever since sports were officially recognized by the government. First a sports division came into existence to organize and run sports events. Later, with higher demands and developments a ministry was formed. Even before the ministry was born, the sports associations came into existence under the direct guidance and management of sports division. Over the years, these associations have seen dramatic change with the developments and demands that come across them. Today all these associations are independent of the government (at least by law), and governed by elected bodies. But the question is, are they really independent? The answer depends on which angle you look in or where you stand in the argument. My argument is that in a small state like the Maldives, with a minimum demand for many products, the sports associations cannot be entirely independent of the government. But that does not mean they should be ruled and manipulated by the government. The idea is to work in close cooperation as a sponsor where the government should respect and keep and arms length. But the sad thing is the story that is unraveling is totally different. It seems the current administrators are moving back in time to the days of sports division, where the rules and regulations come from a centralized point. This is not surprising as the leader behind this is the one who was in charge of sports division at that point in time. He would only realize the command and control that comes with a centralized system. So the question is where are we heading?

One of the key arguments of the new administrators is to change the funding mechanism for sport. They are advocating moving towards a system where the government is not the major sponsor. But can that be done overnight? Don’t think so. When major sporting clubs, are daily announcing big losses, how can clubs in a small country like the Maldives, overnight become independent from government funding. This would create disaster and would reel back the development of football. This was evident in 2009, when some clubs from the atolls were not able to participate in tournaments because suddenly the government stopped their financial and other assistance to some clubs. There are other factors why this cannot be achieved. The main reason is that all sporting venues and land are under the government. While facilities are limited, unless associations have the authority or direct access to market using these venues, they cannot stand up on their own. For example, if FAM is given the sole responsibility to manage and govern the Galolhu grounds, I am sure they can generate enough money to administer the sport. Do we realize how much money the shops at the grounds are making? Don’t think so? Similarly, if other associations are given the opportunity to showcase themselves, by providing them with land, I am sure there will be associations that will come forward and shine. Now and again we always hear that cricket board looking for land to build a cricket stadium, with external funds, the call by the association is so far falling on deaf ears. On the contrary, we see some privileged associations being provided with more land they require, just because they fall into an elite category. It is these kinds of injustice and inconsistency in management that is stifling sport. This approach need to be rectified for the better of sport.

Now that’s about infrastructure. Let look at a more realistic issue, management. By the middle of each year, all associations are requested to send their activity calendar for next year. This is to discuss and plan the use of the facilities in accordance to the sport and they are shared. Over the years, this has been done smoothly as it was managed by experienced people. Now we have turned into a new year and January is over. No news about the sports calendar from the ministry. Sports associations and clubs are wondering how to plan their activities as they do not know when the activities will start. With limited budget, clubs and associations need to plan carefully and not waste in order to maximize the funds. Hence, unless the ministry guides them or gives a vision for the year, they cannot go and start their activities. Another reason, associations are not fully independent. While, this is hindering the progress of the associations, although the sports department in the ministry is incapacitated to work, they are unwilling to admit the delay and utilize others to help them. So, where are we heading then?

While all these things are major obstacle for associations, the main concern still remains. Budget! To date the associations are not aware officially (I know some associations do have the privilege of knowing their piece of the finance cake) what they will be awarded this year. Associations are hands tight to even go out to sponsors as they do not know what amount to raise or work for in order for them to keep par as 2008. While the government continuously keep saying they cannot provide as much as before, at least it would be easier if they can indicate an amount for the associations to work. But guess what? As before the sports department and the policy makers are giving a deaf ear. This lack of cooperation and commitment to steer the sports craft in the right path, with consensus and participation is derailing our sport. People are losing faith and hope. The constant cry for the sporting world of Maldives today is that “WHERE ARE WE HEADING?”