The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, has held high-level discussions with senior executives of Liverpool Football Club during their visit to Malé City this week, focusing on the launch of a Liverpool FC Football Academy in the Maldives.
The visiting delegation, which includes David Paul, Vice President of Partnerships Delivery, and Alex Fraser, Director of Global Partnership Sales for the LFC x Visit Maldives initiative, is in the Maldives to advance a landmark tourism partnership aimed at boosting the nation’s global presence as a top-tier travel destination.
During the meeting, Minister Rafiu explored opportunities for deeper collaboration in football development with support from Liverpool FC. Discussions covered training opportunities for Maldivian athletes, coaching support from Liverpool FC professionals, and the potential for exchange programs that would allow athletes to train both in the Maldives and the United Kingdom.
Visit Maldives, the Liverpool FC Senior Management Team, and MACL discussed strategically enhancing connectivity and boosting arrivals from key European markets including the UK. Grateful to MACL MD Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed for the engaging exchange. pic.twitter.com/WHBBpfHpPO
— Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (@mmprc_corporate) May 21, 2025
This initiative follows the official announcement on March 13, when the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) named the Maldives as Liverpool FC’s “Official Tourist Destination Partner.” The partnership includes a comprehensive international marketing campaign set to run for three years and six months, designed to expand the Maldives’ tourism brand to global audiences and increase visitor numbers.
The campaign was officially launched on April 3, coinciding with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to Liverpool’s historic Anfield Stadium.
One of the most exciting components of the partnership is the proposed establishment of a Liverpool FC Academy in the Maldives, which is expected to contribute significantly to sports tourism and elevate the Maldives’ image as a destination that offers more than just natural beauty.