Foul!

As published in Mailsport today By Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA - Malaysia head into the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup as underdogs but forward Amri Yahyah is not a single bit perturbed by it. In fact, he insists he likes it that way. “I prefer being the underdogs,” Amri said. “Remember, in 2010 we were not the favourites but we went on to win the competition for the first time in our history. “We are in the same situation now, who knows if we end up winning the tournament again. The key is getting everything right during the competition.” Amri would likely feature in the starting eleven alongside clubmate Norshahrul Idlan Talaha when Malaysia play Myanmar in the Group B opener on Sunday. Harimau Malaya face a difficult prospect of reaching the knockout stages as the odds favour Thailand and hosts Singapore to progress based on recent form. Malaysia only have one win to parade since Dollah Salleh took charge in July. The team suffered defe...

Ultras Tonjol FC, as published in Mailsport today.   SOCIAL media has played an integral part in the Brazil World Cup, so vital that many instantly update their Twitter and Facebook right after a goal is scored or a match ends. There are also comments made by these fans, from intelligent analysis to silly criticisms about a particular player or team. This was also evident in the previous edition in South Africa. It would be interesting (or scary) to see the comments that would be posted online had Malaysia qualifi ed for the on-going World Cup. After all, we tend to be overly critical when it comes to fellow Malaysians. Here are several scenarios: 1. Dutchman Tim Krul was hailed for saving two attempts by Costa Rica to see Holland edge the South American team 4-3 in penalties (after a goalless draw in) in the quarterfi nals.    Had Khairul Fahmi Che Mat done the same? Sure use jampi (spell) lah. 2. Belgium’s forward Marouane F...

Berikut merupakan senarai pemenang Anugerah Bola Sepak Kebangsaan 2013 yang berlangsung hari ini: Penjaga Gol Terbaik: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan) Pertahanan Terbaik: Baihakki Khaizan (LionsXII) Pemain Tengah Terbaik & Pemain Paling Bernilai: Badhri Radzi (Kelantan) Penyerang Terbaik: Norfarhan Muhammad (Kelantan) Pemain Harapan Terbaik: Junior Eldstal (Sarawak) Jurulatih terbaik: Dollah Salleh (Pahang) Pemain Import Terbaik: Marlon Alex James (ATM) Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Terbaik: Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Terengganu Kelab Bolasepak Terbaik: Sime Darby FC Kelab Penyokong Terbaik: Kelantan Pengadil Terbaik: Nagor Amir Nor Mohamad Penolong Pengadil Terbaik: Sabri Mat Daud Anugerah Fairplay: Polis Diraja Malaysia Anugerah Khas:     1) Paul Mony 2) Dell Akhbar Khan 3) Azzudin Ahmad 4) Ibrahim Saad HD kata: Tahniah kepada semua pemenang!

PRESS RELEASE BATTLE ROYALE FOR THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD 100PLUS-ASTRO ARENA-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS 2013 PETALING JAYA (21 Nov 2013) - Johor striker Norsharul Idlan Talaha has been voted the Most Valuable Player at the 100PLUS-Astro Arena-FAM National Football Awards for the last three years. His dreams of a fourth consecutive MVP crown, however, may not materialise as there are several strong contenders for the prestigious award. “It was not easy coming up with this shortlist. We certainly took time to observe these players throughout the season,” said Datuk Khaidir Buyong, the honorary secretary of the Malaysian Football Coaches Association (MFCA). “Initially, we wanted to select just five players in each category but in the end, we thought that six players would be fair. Now it is up to the respective teams to select the best in 2013. Certainly, it will not be easy pick,” Khaidir said. Norshahrul will be up against players like national teammat...

It has been a roller-coaster year for the author. From being named Sports Journalist of the Year , venturing into a new job to receiving several letter of demands (one of them will now be tried next year), 2012 has been an 'interesting' journey. Here are some of the highlights of 2012 as seen on Foul! January Jan 4: Two athletes who competed at the Indonesia Sea Games were tested positive for banned substance. Jan 11: Negri Sembilan physiotherapist See Kim Leong passed away on Feb 5, 2011. Kim Leong's wife Audrey McLeod has not received a single cent as she was told her husband was " not insured ". Jan 14: BAM forms a three-man committee instead of hiring a high performance director. Told you so! Jan 19: The M-League 2012 was hardly a month old and yet it was rocked with match-fixing. Kes rasuah lagi. Jan 24: Contractors at the mercy of workers Jan 26: Johor prince takes over football Jan 28: Doctors against 1Care February Feb 1: Elyas ...

National goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and model Leuniey tied the knot in Pasir Pekan, Tumpat yesterday. Congratulations to the duo. The picture was taken from Oh Bulan . But let's look at the subject of weddings and the mentality of cashing in on weddings. Apparently the rights to 'cover' the Khairul Fahmi's wedding was given to one particular organisation that even the official Kelantan FA media arm was not allowed to take snap shots. Betul ka? Such was also seen during Lee Chong Wei and Wong Mew Choo's wedding dinner. The rights of the wedding was handed to another media establishment despite Chong Wei being an Astro Arena and Maxis ambassador. One would not blame the 'celebrities' for cashing in. However, it is indeed surprising that those (media organisations) who have been supporting them all along seem to have been 'dianak tirikan' for more moolah (money). Oh well.... HD says : And tonight I'll be attending my old scho...

While some of us may still be reeling from the national football team's 1-1 draw against Bangladesh, here's another shocker in the sports scene. The Malaysian hockey team went down 3-2 to Taiwan in the 4th AHF Indoor tournament in Thailand. Read ' What a disgrace ' for the full story. Apparently it is not the national team but the Armed Forces representing the country Meanwhile; Second chance for Azamuddin National football coach K.Rajagobal replaces injured Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak by recalling Pahang player Azamuddin Mohd Akil for the opening match against Singapore in the AFF Cup on Sunday. PM boosts players' morale Prime Minister Najib Razak visited the national players ahead of their AFF Cup campaign. Apex to tie the knot on Dec 28 National goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat ( pic ) had, during a press conference yesterday, revealed his marriage plans with  Nur Eilunie Natasha Nazri or better known as Leuniey Natasha in Pasir Pekan, Tumpat, Kelant...

"Ranking tidak penting" - So it doesn't matter that Malaysia, ranked 163 in the Fifa standings , were held to a 1-1 draw against a lower ranked Hong Kong (172) in a friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. An " experiment " perhaps? - That could have been running through the mind of defender Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak after his unexplainable back pass to goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat was intercepted by a Hong Kong player that resulted the equaliser in the dying minutes of the match. It was a mistake indeed but certainly one would not expect such a child-like error from an experienced defender like Aidil. For the record, Malaysia's goal was scored by Safee Sali ( pic ) in the 58th minute. Third time lucky? - We lost 1-0 to Vietnam, 2-0 to Thailand and managed a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong. Then again, why be so judgmental now when the real test awaits the team once the AFF Cup starts proper. Oh, if you like romantic movies, do watch the 1...

UPDATED 7.15pm:  100PLUS Astro FAM National Football Awards Winners Best FA – Kelantan Best Club - Sime Darby Best Fan Club – Armed Forces Best Referee - Nafiz Abdul Wahab Best Goalkeeper - Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan) Best Defender - Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak (Armed Forces) Best Midfielder - Safiq Rahim (Selangor) Best Striker - Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Kelantan) FAM Special Awards - Late Tan Sri Ghani Minhat FAM Special Awards (Development) - Education Ministry Sports Director Ee Hong Most Promising Player - Rozaimi Abdul Rahman (Selangor) Best Coach - B. Satianathan (Armed Forces) Most Valuable Player - Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Kelantan) ------- List of Shortlisted candidates for the 100PLUS-Astro Arena-FAM National Football Awards     Best Goalkeeper:     Mohd Farizal Marlias (Negeri Sembilan)     Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan)     Norazlan Razali (Selangor)  ...

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The Malaysian U-23 team defended their Sea Games title after edging Indonesia 4-3 in a penalty shoot out. Both teams drew 1-1 even after extra time. Two fans were killed at Gelora Bung Karno. Firecrackers were lit in most parts of KL. The backpages will be plastered with pictures of our players celebrating. Oh yes, there will be faces of officials who will shamelessly take credit as well. But where do we go from here. In hardly 24 hours, coach Ong Kim Swee will be part of the team manager's meeting at Wisma FAM (3pm) ahead of the Malaysia-Syria pre-Olympic clash. Both teams will play on Wednesday night at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Then the national team will take on Bahrain on Nov 27. The standard of play seen throughout the tournament wasn't that great - but for the exciting grand finale. Thailand has lost its grip as the regional power house. Singapore still has got a lot of catching up while Indonesia are still struggling to find their grip and are desperate for ...