Did not do anything that warranted a mass resignation: Latheef

Volleyball Association of the Maldives (VAM) President Mohamed Latheef has stated that he had done nothing that warranted the mass resignation of other members of the Association’s Executive Committee.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, Latheef said that he had seen reports of resignation on various media sources but had not received any formal letters of resignation.

RaajjeMV understands that five members of the Executive Committee had resigned. They are Mohamed Sharaf, Mohamed Shafiu, Ali Latheef, Mohamed Sajid and Abdullah Nasheed.

Latheef said there was no reason for the members to resign and that the issue was between VAM and Soneva. He added the issue with Soneva had been resolved with discussions between the two parties.

RaajjeMV understands that the issue rose after VAM Disciplinary Committee passed to suspend Soneva’s coach and the Appeals Commission passed to delay implementing the decision. The Coach was suspended mere minutes before the start of the final match between Soneva and Anantara Kihavah. Soneva Coach was allowed to be on the team bench during the finals.

RaajjeMV understands the members who had resigned did so, citing influence on the Committee to make the decision. Latheef had denied the claims, describing the entire issue as a ‘misunderstanding’. He added that the decisions taken by the Committees show that the Association and its branches were operating smoothly.

Latheef stated the issues can be resolved by dialogue, adding that he was deeply disappointed that he had learnt of the news via media reports. He said the resignations were a loss to the Association.

The five members were appointed to the Exco in February.