Football star Baka dies amid treatment after health decline

Maldives national football team’s midfield player Mohamed Arif (Baka) has died on Tuesday while being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of ADK Hospital after his health declined.

Baka, 38, who traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj pilgrimage at the invitation of Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, had only recently returned to the Maldives.

Reliable sources told Sun that Baka was taken to ADK Hospital after facing difficulties in breathing, which is believed to have been a result of a respiratory infection. They also noted that Baka had been unwell when he returned from Hajj. 

ADK Hospital confirmed to Sun that Baka has been declared dead.

During his successful footballing career, Baka played club football for VB Addu FC, Maziya SRC, New Radiant SC, and Club Eagles. In 2015, he moved to Myanmar to play for Kanbawza FC – a Burmese football club based in Taunggyi, Myanmar. He later moved back to Male’ and played for Club Valencia.

The midfielder also played for the national football club and was part of the squad which won the SAFF Championship in 2008.

Baka's funeral prayer will be held after Fajr prayer at Islamic Centre.