Maldives coach says experienced players declined SAFF call-up due to holiday, ignored messages

Maldives national football team head coach Istiwan Urbaani has revealed that several experienced players declined call-ups for the ongoing SAFF Championship, with one player ignoring a message and another having already booked a family holiday to Thailand. Speaking to journalists after a practice session in Bangladesh, Urbaani expressed disappointment, stating that representing the national team should be an honor. However, he affirmed that the current squad is fully committed. Maldives face India in their final group match tomorrow, needing a four-goal victory to progress to the semi-finals after a 3-0 loss to Pakistan in their opening game.