A six-match suspension and an MVR 12,000 fine has been slapped on national team midfielder As’had Ali.
The suspension and fine came after his unprovoked foul on a player of Seychelles national team in the Mahinda Rajapaksa Invitational Football Championship held in Sri Lanka last month.
Football’s local governing body, Football Association of Maldives (FAM) disciplinary committee chair announced their decision, adding that their decision had been sent to FAM for implementing.
Committee said that As’had attacked the Seychelles Captain unprovoked. As’had’s defense that he was ‘frustrated’ was no defense, added the Committee.
In his statement to the Committee, As’had said that he had to wait 15 minutes to get on field as a substitute, leading to his frustration. He added that he had raised his objections to the Coach, to no avail.
As’had further said that he was substituted near the end of the additional time and the pressure was on to ensure a win. The Seychelles player, he said, had stepped on his shoe and verbally abused him. This, he said, was the reason for his outburst and attack.
As’had had retired national team after he was removed as captain. He entered politics afterward. He was picked back into the team for this year’s SAFF Championship. The decision had come under fire as As’had was facing allegations of colluding with former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed. The former Tourism Minister is facing sexual harassment charges.
As’had had signed up as guarantor, when Ali Waheed had requested medical leave to go to the UK. Waheed had failed to return back to the Maldives, after the medial leave had expired. He had claimed that he is detained under UK Immigration. High Court had also decreed that As’had should be punished for this failure.
This is not the first ethical transgression. In 2016, As’had was sentenced to serve 16 days in jail for taking a picture of former Judge Abdul Baaree Yoosuf, without the Judge’s consent.