“Remarkable” tournament taking Maldivian football to the next level, says FA

“I think one small country in football taking on something like the Challenge Cup is something very remarkable.”

Speaking ahead of the Maldives opening Group A with tournament outsiders Myanmar this evening, Assistant Secretary General of the Football Association of Maldives Mohamed Nasir pointed out the logistical novelty of an international football tournament in Asia’s smallest country.

“I’m not sure there’s another tournament where land, sea, and air transport is involved in day to day player movements.”

Games will take place in both the capital Malé and the country’s second city Addu, with players from the eight competing teams staying in Bandos and Herathera resorts.