editorials

The Maldives Chess Association under Nooh Ali has once again shown shocking levels of disorganization and arrogance. Prize money remains unpaid, schedules are released mid-tournament, and players are treated with open disrespect. Even FIDE’s 2018 investigation warned about Nooh Ali’s mismanagement and manipulation of tournaments — yet no authority has stepped in. It’s time for the Sports Ministry, Sports Commissioner, and FIDE to act before Maldivian chess collapses completely.

Barely a month after charging MVR 500 per player for the National Junior Championship—with no prize money awarded—MCA President Nooh Ali has announced another MVR 500-per-player selection for the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025. Players are questioning why new selections are needed when national teams already exist, and why the president himself is competing in an event he organizes. With top players boycotting in protest, this episode marks a troubling moment for Maldivian chess and raises serious concerns about fairness, ethics, and transparency.

Between 2018 and 2024, the Maldives Chess Association (MCA) under Hussain Shiyan’s administration received over MVR 7 million in funding, on top of government support that already covers staff salaries and operational costs. Yet, tournament records show spending of barely over one million rufiyaa across the entire period, even using generous estimates. This article compiles verified bank figures and event data to highlight the unexplained financial gap and the urgent need for transparency, especially as MCA itself now seeks an auditor to review past accounts.