Security tightened for Maldives-Hong Kong match

Security forces have decided to frisk everyone prior to allowing entry to Galolhu National Stadium for the Maldives-Hong Kong World Cup Qualifying match tomorrow.

Speaking at a press conference today at the National Stadium by Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and Football Association of Maldives (FAM), Ismail Naveen, assistant commissioner of police, said that measures have been put in place to ensure safety and security for the Hong Kong team since they arrived in Maldives.

“The entire stadium will be searched before the match tomorrow. All necessary action will be taken to ensure the safety and security of supporters. All supporters will be frisked before they enter the stadium,” he said.

He added that police would regulate traffic and patrol the area during the match tomorrow.

Security forces have also decided to have a fire lorry and a medical team for supporters at the stadium during the match.

Items such as umbrellas and wooden sticks will not be allowed at the stadium.

Speaking at the press conference, Secretary-General of FAM Bassam Adheel Jaleel said that the gates would be opened at 2:00 p.m., and urged supporters to arrive early. He also advised not to leave the stadium during half-time.

The Maldives-Hong Kong World Cup Qualifying match is set to kick off at 3:50 p.m. tomorrow.