After gifting MVR1 million to the national team for making it to the Asian Football Federation (AFC) Challenge Cup’s semi finals, President Abdulla Yameen has promised an additional million to the team.
Speaking to news agency Haveeru, Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Maleeh Jamal said the additional million is to recognise the good reputation the football team has brought to the Maldives and to encourage the team to more success.
The money is to be handed over this week. It is not clear if the money will be distributed from the state budget.
The Maldives lost the semi-final against the Philippines last week. Prior to the match, Yameen had promised one million rufiyaa if the national team won the Challenge Cup.
Palestine were the eventual winners, beating the Philippines on Friday (May 30).
Jumhooree Party leader Gasim Ibrahim has also gifted MVR 500,000 to the team.
