FIFA President to visit Maldives after 19 years

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to arrive in the Maldives on Friday, marking the first visit by a sitting FIFA president in 19 years.

The last time a FIFA president visited the country was in 2006, when Sepp Blatter arrived as part of a regional tour of tsunami-affected nations. During that visit, Blatter met with then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and spent two days in the Maldives.

Football Association of Maldives (FAM) President Ahmed Thoriq announced Infantino’s upcoming visit in a post on social media, stating: “I am delighted to announce that FIFA President Gianni Infantino will visit Maldives on 24 October 2025. This is the first visit by a FIFA President to Maldives in 19 years.”

Thoriq described the visit as a historic milestone for Maldivian football, expressing hope that it would accelerate development efforts and strengthen the relationship between FIFA and FAM. He added that Infantino’s presence would open doors to new opportunities for the sport across the country.

Thoriq recently met with Infantino at FIFA headquarters, following an invitation from the global football governing body. The meeting focused on strategic development and future collaboration between FIFA and the Maldives.

Infantino’s visit comes at a time when Maldivian football is gaining momentum, with renewed focus on infrastructure, youth programs, and international partnerships.