Time to get rid of Azim?

Time to get rid of Azim? Only the upcoming FAM election will answer that

Football has been a competitive game on and off the field. The nature is similar in Maldives as well, the competition between seniors of football fraternity are fierce off the field while the atmosphere is same among players on the field. When Maldives embraced the first elected President of Football Association of Maldives (FAM) back in 2008, it was well anticipated the job won’t be an easy task. As the next FAM election comes closer the candidates competing has more reasons to blame the current administration.

The current president Ali Azim has a long history of football behind him. Born to a family, successfully ran country’s one of the biggest clubs for decades, Azim’s knowledge of Maldivian football is far superior and only few can match. However, it is always results that defines the destination.

After a close win over his rivals in 2008, Azim was tipped by some to take country’s football to a newer heights while others sniffing for the moment of destruction. Azim being elected as an MP in the Parliament Election of 2009 and officially unveiling as a politician was a moment his foes anticipated and majority of his decision at FAM was compared with his political background. But the moment they craved did not come until now; the opportunity to replace him.

FAM is yet to announce the names of FAM presidential candidates officially as they are in the process of checking the eligibility of candidates, but some are still on TV screens with their campaigns. That’s one simple example of how well Azim knows Maldives football than his upcoming competitors. FAM election has nearly a dozen of clubs voting, not the whole nation. Is there a need to flood roads with campaign posters?

Azim has been criticized by some for being a politician and those who vows to change him for that particular reason now comes up with the same appetite. Any particular reason why they couldn’t find someone who has a similar level of knowledge on Maldivian football, is a question with a sold answer hard to find.

It is an added advantage for anyone coming to develop football in this country have extensive knowledge and experience in the industry. At the same time, we must also understand that keep on criticizing the administration will not help a bit,but considering it as a responsibility to support elected president will be of more helpful. And if everything goes according to plan, on 18th July the football family in Maldives will decide whether it is time to get rid of Azim or back him.