Football clubs are calling to resume the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League (DDPL), which was put on hold last week due to the Covid-19 situation worsening in the country, or to at least allow them to restart training sessions.

The league was halted on February 3, as authorities strengthened Covid-19 measures across the nation especially the Covid-19 epicentre capital Male’ City where the DDPL matches are being conducted.

In separate statements, Maziya Sports and Recreations Club and Club Eagles said that the sudden halt of matches and trainings have left the players "feeling down”.

Noting that the DDPL matches had started with the Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s approval under special Covid-19 guidelines after a halt of months, the statements stressed that all clubs were following the guidelines from the day they ‘began training for the season until matches were stopped last week’.

The clubs said that the suspension will be a loss for them, adding that there are athletes and coaches that depend on the income.

Hence, the clubs asked to be allowed to continue training sessions despite the suspension of the league matches, and called on authorities to recommence DDPL matches under special guidelines as soon as possible.

The 2020 Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League season commenced in December, however, without spectators inside the stadium as per HPA’s guidelines.

A total of 34 matches had been played when the league was suspended last week. Maziya Sports and Recreations Club is in top of the league table with 21 points in nine games, Club Valencia and Da Grande Sports are in second and third position respectively, with 15 points each.

-- Article by Raaje.mv