Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu met with 2014 World Cup-winning forward Lukas Podolski.

The meeting with Minister Rafiu took place prior to Podolski's departure from the Maldives upon concluding his New Year holiday.

Sports Minister Rafiu and Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal were also present at the meeting held at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport.

Minister Rafiu provided Mr. Podolski with a comprehensive overview of the government's initiatives to foster football development in the Maldives during their meeting. Deliberations encompassed the current landscape of football in the country, coupled with exploratory discussions on collaborative measures with Podolski to further promote and enhance the sport.

Minister Rafiu also presented the national team jersey to Podolski during the meeting.

Lucas Podolski, who scored 49 goals for Germany, is the third-most capped player for the national team. He lifted the 2014 World Cup and was named the best young player of the year in the 2006 World Cup.