Work Begins to Replace Turf at Maafannu No. 1 Football Field

Work has begun to replace the turf at the Maafannu No. 1 turf field, one of the most used football grounds in Malé. The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness said yesterday that the work has been contracted to the Road Development Corporation (RDC). The ministry said the turf replacement is expected to be completed within 20 days, and that the turf and other materials needed for the work have been provided by the ministry. The turf at the ground, which is used by first-division clubs for training and by academies, had been badly damaged. It was last fully replaced in 2014, and although it had undergone some repairs since then, it had not been completely replaced. Both turf pitches currently in use in the Malé area are located in the area. The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is also working to set up two additional pitches. Earlier, FAM had the opportunity to develop turf pitches in the Maafannu Stadium area with FIFA's assistance, but the funds were not used appropriately under the previous administration.