UB40's Campbell blasts band management

UB40's Ali Campbell has claimed that it was bad band management that forced him to leave the reggae group.

It was reported earlier that the singer had parted ways with the group to focus on his solo career.

However, Campbell denied these claims, and in a letter on his official website he clarified the reasons behind his departure.

He said: "I feel that it is important for me to put the record straight on my reasons for leaving the band.

"Contrary to some of the misleading, false information and accusations that have been circulating in recent months, the reason for my forthcoming departure from the band is NOT, as has been stated, due to my wanting to pursue a solo career.

"The reason for me leaving the band is that management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost 5 years, had become intolerable.

"I have been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years and I have an ongoing investigation into the handling of my business affairs in relation to UB40. Suffice to say I felt I had no other option but to resign from my band.

"I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the very best - they have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers."