Dhidhdhoo's FIFA-standard football pitch set for completion next year, says Minister Raafiu

Work on the international-standard football pitch being developed in Dhidhdhoo, Haa Alif Atoll, is expected to be completed next year, Minister for Sports and Community Empowerment Abdulla Raafiu has said. Speaking to PSM News, Raafiu noted that Dhidhdhoo is one of the largest football islands at the atoll level. He said a pitch of the standard at which international matches can be played is currently being developed, with changing room facilities and other facilities established so that matches of that level can be hosted. "The foundation of a FIFA-standard pitch was laid last year. Since early this year, that work has been continuing. Therefore, God willing, we will be able to complete the work on this pitch during next year," Raafiu said. The minister also said the government's successful work to take football in the Maldives to other levels is visible and evident. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that work to develop an international-standard football pitch in Dhidhdhoo would begin on the island while meeting with the people and delivering an address during his visit there in January last year. Dhidhdhoo is one of two islands in Haa Alif Atoll that have hosted the largest football tournaments. Under joint work by the government and the Football Association of Maldives to put football back on its feet and restore its position among Maldivians, and among changes to the format of the Dhivehi Premier League, Dhidhdhoo Sports Club is one of two teams from the atolls that secured a place in the league. Official Dhivehi League matches have already been played in Dhidhdhoo, and Dhidhdhoo Sports Club's home matches will be played on the island. Dhidhdhoo is also included among four islands where the Football Association of Maldives has decided to establish regional football association offices. The North Region Football Association office will be established in Dhidhdhoo. The first match of the Dhivehi League played in Dhidhdhoo was attended by Minister Raafiu. The match was played between Dhidhdhoo Sports Club and New Radiant Sports Club.