The national team will not allow forward Ismail ‘Messi’ Easa to play with them, their coach said in a press conference ahead of the team’s game against Oman.

The team’s Australian coach Darren Stewart said at the conference held inside the national stadium in capital city Malé that he would ‘never’ return to the team.

“He’s not with us anymore, and will never be while I’m the national coach, ever” Stewart told reporters.

He responded to further inquiry by saying that ‘he is not’ quite sure why Easa left the team and said reporters should ‘better give him a call’.

Easa had reportedly left the field while at practice after a disagreement with the coach. Said disagreement was over the line up for Maldives’ match against Oman, RaajjeMV understands.