Mukhthar (yellow) playing against Victory in CWC

The name of the game is football ball and the burden of the blame lies at the door of Maldives football governing body FAM. They have recently announced the nominees for the Maldivian footballer of the year 2007 and surprisingly the best player of last season does not find his name among the top five; the man who was in the red hot form throughout the season for Valencia and national team, who by his sheer dint of brilliance almost single-handedly earned Valencia the Cup Winners Cup.

Definitely question will be asked on the nominees' selection process, the criteria employed. This is not just a singing competition where judges' taste varies on the tone of voice and the celebrity status of the singer as much as to the tune and the colour of dress. This is a long season of football tournaments which we all saw with our naked eyes.

It is certainly difficult to say football and awards go hand in hand with reputation. Yet what is proven is once a player catches the public imagination it is hard to dislodge him from the mind of public come what may, whether your performance on the pitch swing from poor to outright mediocrity. Established means you are there for eternity. But does that warrant Fazeel's inclusion in a best player award nominees list? Scoring goals may be an eye-catching affair but most of Oppo's goals were against second-rung low-lying teams. Moreover, his so-called poaching ability in front of the goal has earned nothing for VB Sports. They bid adieu to last season empty-handed.

Last season was not 2005, when he was at his lethal best when he played a colossal role in taking his team New Radiant to where they have never dreamed before – that of the semi – final of AFC Cup. Something no other Maldivian club achieved – when they touched such glory and no other player was as instrumental as Oppo; he's still easily the most talented player among the best.

But not in the last season! Most of his 18 goals came courtesy of generous offerings from Issey and Eugene. It was mostly simple tap-ins. It is just plain silly to compare his with Mukuthar's contribution. The skilful winger was the player of the tournament in Cup Winners Cup. He had an outstanding season. The irony is FAM itself appreciated his huge influence on the club and national team and did elevate him to the A-category.

It is a pity FAM in its bid to restructure the house in order is making too many blunders to the liking of sports lovers. Oppo performance was obviously below par and they themselves decided he does not deserve to be in A- Category. Yet surprisingly he was a nominee among the best five player list. That his demotion to B only to retract the story later saying it's a mistake does not well verse with a governing body supposed to look after the national sports of the country.

FAM just does not seem to duck controversies. There are many media reports suggesting most of the FAM judges have not been around when a match is progress. That somebody only appears before the final whistle to do a formality rather than lend his acumen to final assessment, though and that the judges' chairs are rarely occupied is fodder for thought.

In life – not only in sports – motivation to excel comes from recognition and its twin appreciation. If the hard worker and its rightful owner is left to fell by wayside no sports rivalries would prosper in a cordial atmosphere or develop to bear the right fruit if there is any hint of double standards in the process.

The damage is already is done. FAM list of nominees is out and there is no Mukuthar. Many a football lovers are confused as to why he was not able to make it to FAM nominees list. There cannot be more bizarre judgment indeed, when it is made in the powerful corridor of the football guardian. Oppo being in the list is no problem but it is certainly a problem when one of the best players of the season is not.

Football has this amazing capacity as much to spin fairytales as to deliver a knockout punch to the egos. Can you believe it, the man who was at the top of the heap now finds himself down in the dumps? Indeed Muhuthar would certainly find it hard to believe his luck.

Cut it whichever way you like it, the overlook of winger for the top prize is a blatant disregard to developing talents and sadly another thorn in FAM's side at a time when the beleaguered guardian should be leading by example. Surely you are forgiven for thinking anything is possible in Maldivian football and this may be just the tip of the iceberg.

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