In a press meeting held yesterday, Minister Ahmed Mahloof announced Jazeera Championship much improved version of Minivan Championship.

Jazeera Football Championship's biggest change is that before the Atoll rounds start, Island Council's will host an Island tournament, the winner's will have the chance to represent the island in atoll level. Atoll level will be played in Home-Away format as in the Minivan Championship of 2015. Interested teams are to apply for the Island rounds before the 15th of October 2019. The Jazeera Football Championship will officially start in the year 2020.

According to Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof, the government will assist in developing the infrastructure and assist in traveling for Home-Away format. Bassam Adheel Jalil, the President of Football Association said that they are still some difficulties for the Home-Away format to be introduced to the top division. It is believed that this is very good sign for the football in general as the Jazeera Football Championship will finally pave the way in not too distant future for a Home-Away format in the Premier League.

At the moment two Minivan Championship sides are performing in the Premier League. Foakaidhoo FC and Nilandhoo. With the introduction of the Jazeera Football Championship, it is not clear what their fate will be.

Photo: Foakaidhoo FC