Immigration Dept stamps passports with Challenge Cup logo

Department of Immigration and Emigration has said that passports of incoming travellers to Maldives are being stamped with a logo representing the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2014, scheduled to be held in Maldives in next month.

Immigration Department said in a press release tonight that the logo is being stamped since 1 April, as part of the efforts to promote the tournament which will take place from 19 to 30 May.

The department said that the purpose is to inform Maldivians and visitors of this tournament and to ensure its success.

Maldives, which is in Group A, will play against Myanmar in the opening match on 18 May, and against Kirgizstan on 21 May, and against Palestine on 23 May.

Group A matches will be held at Galolhu Stadium, while Group B matches will be held at Addu Zone Stadium. Countries in Group B are Turkmenistan, Philippines, Afghanistan, and Laos.

AFC Challenge Cup was first held in 2006 in Bangladesh, then in 2008 in India, then in 2010 in Sri Lanka, and most recently in 2012 in Nepal.