Athletes’ salaries raised after delays spark concern

After President Dr Mohamed Muizzu pledged to provide higher salaries to athletes and officials of the national teams, but failed to deliver on the promise, concerns from the sports sector have prompted action.

In his presidential statement, the president emphasized the importance of sports infrastructure and athletes. Within that context, he promised to create opportunities for athletes and ensure equal pay for national team players and officials. He had pledged to increase salaries before the end of this year.

However, prior to any implementation, athletes across several sports had not been paid, and others had gone days without receiving any salary. Some sports associations and athletes shared their complaints with Sun.

Within 24 hours of Sun reporting the concerns raised by athletes, the Ministry of Sports issued a letter to sports associations. The letter stated that the salary sheet to be drawn up from September 15 would pay MVR 7,000 equally to athletes and officials.

The circular also states that work was underway to deposit the increased amount to the allowance of players, officials, and para-athletes from May to September.