President hosts luncheon for Palestinian Under-17 football team in Male'

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed hosted a special luncheon on Tuesday for the visiting Palestinian Under-17 football team, who are currently in the Maldives for a training camp ahead of the AFC U-17 qualifiers.

The event was held at Hotel Jen’s ballroom and attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, senior government officials, and members of the Maldives Under-17 team.

During their visit, the Palestinian team played two friendly matches against the Maldivian youth side. President Muizzu and Vice President Latheef purchased souvenir tickets for the matches, with all proceeds donated to the Palestine Football Association to support its development amid ongoing conflict.

ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ ދެކަނބަލުން، ފަލަސްޠީނުގެ 17 އަހަރުން ދަށުގެ ފުޓްބޯޅަ ޓީމުގެ ޝަރަފުގައި ބޭއްވެވި މެންދުރުގެ ފަރިއްކޮޅު pic.twitter.com/qIjfaGREFb

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) November 18, 2025

The luncheon was part of a broader gesture of solidarity and sports diplomacy, highlighting the Maldives’ support for Palestinian youth and the role of football in fostering international friendship.