President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and FIFA President Gianni Infantino participated in an exhibition football match held as part of the FAM Kids’ Football Festival at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The special event was organised by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) in conjunction with Infantino’s official visit to the country.

President Muizzu’s team featured Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Cabinet Ministers, and senior Government officials, while Infantino’s side included former Italian footballer Marco Materazzi and several Maldivian football legends.

Infantino’s team triumphed with a 6–4 victory in the friendly match.

During the festival, President Muizzu and President Infantino jointly unveiled the Diamond Jubilee logo marking 75 years of organised football in the Maldives.

The leaders also interacted with young participants, signing autographs and encouraging children to pursue their passion for the sport.

Football in the Maldives traces its formal beginnings to 1950 with the establishment of “Kulhivaru Muntazim,” the nation’s first sports regulatory body.

The Football Association of Maldives was later founded in 1982 and gained FIFA membership in 1986.

The event highlighted the Administration’s ongoing commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure, empowering youth, and building a healthier, more active society.

The match drew an enthusiastic crowd, including First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, students from football academies, and members of the public, who gathered to witness this landmark sporting celebration.