Foul!

As published in Mailsport today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian team that played Persib in Bandung last Saturday claimed they were caught off guard after the organisers labelled them Malaysia All Stars. Rasah Jaya FC team manager Abdul Rafi Abdul Murad said they were initially informed by the agent the game at the Si Jala Harupat Stadium was a “friendly”. The visitors, coached by Nick Sham Abdullah, lost 4-1. “But to our shock we saw the press when we arrived at the airport on Friday. We also saw posters which included two M-League players and there was a press conference,” he said. “We told them we cannot use the name Malaysia All Stars but they insisted. In fact, they got angry when we stressed we wanted to stay out of the match. We feared for our safety and decided to play.” He said the match was disorganised and even saw the kick off time rescheduled from 7pm to 4pm at the eleventh hour. “We did not even step out of the hotel after...

KUALA LUMPUR — Asian Football Confederation (AFC) vowed to probe the friendly between Indonesian club Persib and Malaysia All Stars in Bandung on Saturday after they were informed the visiting team were there for a “vacation”. AFC general secretary Datuk Windsor Paul John said Indonesian football officials revealed they too had no clue about the game at Si Jalat Harupat Stadium. The visiting team coached by Nick Sham Abdullah lost 4-1. The match was shown live on MNCTV and the “All Stars” had MNCTV’s brand on their yellow jerseys. “Many seem to be in the dark. I was later told the Malaysian team were on a holiday,” John said. “Once a national FA is suspended, no such activities can take place. We will investigate this matter further.”  Indonesia FA were suspended by Fifa in May following government interference in their local league. Nick Sham could also face suspension said National Coaches Association president B. Satianathan. The former intern...

As published in Mailsport today   By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — The match between Indonesian club Persib and ‘Malaysia All Stars’ continues to hog the limelight with Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wondering how it could take place while former Kelantan defender S. Subramaniam lodged a police report yesterday after his picture was used to promote the game.     Persib defeated Malaysia All Stars 4-1 at the Si Jalat Harupat Stadium in Bandung yesterday.   “We don’t know of such a match. The Indonesian FA are suspended and they, or any of their affiliates, cannot host matches,” said AFC general secretary Datuk Windsor Paul John.   “Malaysia All Stars? It can be construed as misrepresentation. I will check with Indonesia,” he added. Subramaniam said he was alerted to a promotional poster featuring his image in a Kelantan jersey and two other footballers — T-Team defender Mohamad Faizal Muhammad and a foreigner. ...

As published in Mailsport today      By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — A "Malaysian All Stars" are scheduled to play Indonesian club Persib in Bandung tonight — a match FA of Malaysia (FAM) know nothing about.   FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin said the national body were in the dark about the game at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium which kicks off at 7pm local time.   "I know nothing and the match has nothing to do with FAM," Hamidin said.   "I don't know who the Malaysian All Stars team are, their players or their officials. Who is behind them ... I don't know."   He added the national body would not send any of their teams to the Republic as the Indonesian FA (PSSI) have been suspended by Fifa due to government interference.   "They can't organise any matches, even their clubs. We can't engage with them, the FA and their clubs. Our teams are well aware of the situation. ...