National Coach Urbaani: No Fitness Coach, Last-Minute Call-Ups Hamper SAFF Prep

National team head coach Istvan Urbaani has revealed that the Maldives football squad is preparing for the SAFF Championship without a fitness coach and with several players called up at the last minute, casting serious doubt over the team's readiness. Speaking to the media after losing the tournament opener to Pakistan, Urbaani detailed a litany of logistical setbacks. He said requests for a fitness coach were not approved, leaving the team without that crucial role. Travel arrangements were chaotic — the departure date to Bangladesh was changed three times and was not confirmed until the final moment. Urbaani stressed that he was not complaining but stating the facts of what occurred. He warned that players who joined late could not participate fully in preparations, making it impossible to expect peak performance. He also pointed out that a congested domestic league schedule had taken a toll on players, arguing that for the SAFF Championship — the most important tournament of the year — players must be freed from other commitments to be properly prepared.