MP Ali Waheed appointed national team manager

MP Ali Waheed has been appointed manager of the national football team by the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, FAM Chairman Ali Azim, opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) MP for Mid-Henveiru, explained that the association wanted someone who was not currently employed by a local football club in order to avoid dissension in the squad.

Ali Waheed had been deputy leader of DRP before he defected in May to join the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Azim told press that while he anticipated criticism from the DRP for the decision, “I want to show that I don’t bring politics into this and will do whatever I can for the good of football [in the country].”

Ali Waheed meanwhile revealed that he still had the jersey of the national team player – a constituent in Waheed’s home island Thohdhoo – who scored the winning goal in the 2008 SAFF Championship.

“I want to see a day like that day [Maldives became regional champions] in 2008 when everyone in the country celebrated regardless of [political affiliation],” said Ali Waheed, who had formerly served as manager of New Radiant Sports Club.