Foul!

BURDENING consumers with price hikes is not the solution, as Singtel, StarHub and Mediacorp announced an unprecedented partnership to broadcast in Singapore the upcoming World Cup. Collaborating for the first time ever, the three entities had in their joint release today (April 25), said fans will pay the same prices as they did to watch the 2014 edition.  Packages for all 64 matches will be made available on Singtel TV, Singtel TV GO, CAST, StarHub TV, StarHub Go, Mediacorp's Toggle. Singaporeans will pay S$94.16 (RM277.50) for the early bird price which will last till May 22. Those who sign up after that date will have to fork out S$112.35 (RM331.11). Nine matches will be aired on free-to-air television. According to Straits Times , the three companies started discussions last year and paid some S$25 million (RM73 million) to secure the broadcasting rights – a slight increase from 2014. ST quoted Deloitte Singapore and Southeast Asia sports business group leader Ja...

We've already seen   all-black eye tattoos , but now there's a new trend in ink: blacked out bodies.   Singapore   tattoo artist   Chester Lee is going viral with his   Instagram photos   of the technique, which he's been doing for about five years.   "I had been suggesting the blackout tattoos for massive cover-ups, and slowly letting people see the beauty in black work," Lee, 29, tells PEOPLE. "It's an acquired taste."   "Slowly the new generation is appreciating the cleanliness of this kind of work, and the art of looking at just shapes and lines that emphasize the contours of the body." Read more here .

As published in Malay Mail today HARESH SAYS By Haresh Deol IT started with an email from a long-time Juventus fan, Jason Ong. Ong, had in his Aug 13 email, said Serie A fans were disappointed upon learning Astro would not be airing the Italian league. “I would like to ask if there is anything you or Malay Mail can do to help us voice our disappointment,” he said. A Juve supporter for 20 years and committee member of Juventus Club Malaysia, Ong’s frustration is understandable. It mirrored the disappointment M-League fans suffered earlier this year as only selected matches were aired live. It remains unclear if there will be any live matches when the Malaysia Cup kicks-off next month. Upon obtaining clarification, I had on Aug 14, tweeted: “Astro is in the midst of negotiating broadcasting rights for Serie A. Sports ain’t cheap these days.” Yes, sports is not cheap. It was reported on July 10 that Telefonica had bought the La Liga rights for the 2015-2...

HD says: We are all journalists, regardless where we come from. There must be mutual respect all around.

As published in Malay Mail today Reports by Vijhay Vick vijhayvick@mmail.com.my SINGAPORE — The once famous Kallang Roar was reduced to a whisper as Harimau Malaya stunned defending champions Singapore 3-1 to reach the AFF Cup semifinals last night. Skipper Shukor Adan said his teammates were not intimidated by the challenge of playing in the Lions’ den and admitted he was surprised the Malaysian fans, though outnumbered, were noisier. “The crowd did not intimidate us at all. We were well prepared for it,” said the 35-year- old. “We (players) shed blood for the team and it paid off. Our prayers were answered. “I don’t think it’s enough to go on to win the tournament. We have to build on this and work on the team so we become better.” Shukor and Amri Yahyah will miss the semifinals first leg next Sunday after picking up yellow cards. Meanwhile, Safee Sali was relieved to find his touch after scoring the opener. “I am delighted to score. It’s a hu...

A Singaporean businessman was found guilty of corruption Tuesday after a judge ruled that he offered three Lebanese referees free services of prostitutes in return for rigging matches. Nightclub owner Eric Ding Si Yang, 32, could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to S$300,000 (RM772,000) for bribing referee Ali Sabbagh, 35 and assistant referees Ali Eid, 34, and Abdallah Taleb, 38. Sentencing has been scheduled for July 22. District Judge Toh Yung Cheong said in a written judgement the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Ding offered the Lebanese trio free sexual services to "induce the three of them to agree to getting involved in match-fixing". Read more here .

UPDATE 4.00pm: Taken from Ticket Pro : Attention! Good News! Ticket prices have been reduced!!! Sales information (11-Sep-2013): Temerloh Stadium (Myanmar vs Singapore): RM20 (Free seating) and RM25 (Grandstand) · Stadium Darul Makmur (Malaysia vs Thailand): RM20 (Free seating) and RM50 (Grandstand) And ... Latest information at Stadium Darul Makmur: RM20 (Free seating) and RM50 (Grandstand) Today's press conference also featured FAM Secretary, Dato Hamidin who made the announcement in hope that the reduced ticket prices # PESTABOLAMERDEKA will continue to receive better response to Thursday's match and the Final. He hoped that with lower prices, more fans and viewers will come to enliven the Merdeka Tournament mainly to embolden our 'Tiger'. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!   Refunds will be made for those who bought higher priced advance tickets please see below:   ---- They were given a rude shock, o...

Federal police Criminal Investigation Department director Deputy Commissioner Datuk Abdul Hadi Ho told The Malay Mail there has been no request by Singapore police to extradite referee Shokri Nor. Bukit Aman Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division (D7) principal assistant director Datuk Abdul Jalil Hassan said: “We’ve confirmed with Interpol and there has not been any request from Singapore (to arrest Shokri)." Jalil is also part of a integrity committee set up by the FA of Malaysia and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) monitoring match fixing in the country. He said: “We are monitor his movements, including his daily activities at his house in Sungai Petani and in Kulim. “He is still holding his police identification card but he is suspended from the force at the moment.” It is learnt that former Malaysian footballer Thanasegar S. Sinnaiah, who was also charged with corruption in Singapore, has fled the republic and his whereabouts a...

"... Chong (Wei Feng) unleashed a ridiculous, blind, behind-the-back shot in the middle of an exciting rally. Chen, somewhat thrown by the shot, could only look on in bemusement once the exchange was over." That was in reference toWei Feng's match against Singaporean Ashton Chen during a men's singles match in the on-going Axiata Cup. If you call yourself a badminton fan, you must watch the shot . HD says: Wah lau Wei, Feng!

Investigators say such gambling operations hire workers to rapidly place thousands of small online bets — maybe no more than $1,000 each — on fixed games. The scattershot of small bets, rather than several large ones, can help hide fixes from monitoring companies in Europe that use computer software to look for unusual wagering. "They employ kids and they employ people in Singapore and Malaysia to do that for them," said Chris Eaton, former head of security for FIFA, soccer's governing body. "They virtually have a sweatshop, if you like, of people with a large number of credit cards and laptop computers, and they punch those things when they are given the green light." Read the full article here . One bookmaker's Malaysian manager, who refused to give his name because of the illegal nature of his business, conceded that the operation was running "on borrowed time." Here's another article of football gambling thriving in Camb...

Ah, match-fixing...a subject close to my heart. Those who know me well would have read my articles especially those published in The Malay Mail on the subject. There was the Con Deal? between the presumed Zimbabwe team and Malaysia in 2009 which lead to the sacking of Zimbabwe FA CEO Henrietta Rushwaya (who was later arrested ). Then there were several President's Cup players who confessed having been approached by bookies as revealed here . I remember writing about Singaporean KM Rajendran and the infamous Wilson Raj Perumal - who is believed to have a hand in the Zimbabwe-Malaysia match that I exposed. Even a coach of a football team spilled the beans as reported here . So much so, investigative journalist Declan Hill - widely known for his book The Fix - gave me special mention in his blog . However, match-fixing is nothing new in the country. Many still remember the 1994 fiasco that saw the suspension and banning of more than 100 players and coaches in the ...

India, which has more than 1.3 billion people, recorded 24,000 cases of rape last year, a figure that has increased by 25 percent in the past six years.  Read the full article here . India was rocked with protests and rallies after a young girl was gang raped, beaten and thrown out of a moving bus two weeks ago. And after several major operations and even being transferred to a hospital in Singapore, the victim passed away this morning. According to IBN Live, 'The six men accused of raping and assaulting the 23-year-old paramedical student, who died after battling for her life for over 12 days in a Singapore hospital, will now be charged with murder.' Prime Minister Manmohan Singh - whose government has come under fire in handling the situation and ensuring safety of women folk in the nation - offered his condolences . So what has India learnt from this episode? That the presumed democracy and freedom of expression it believes to have was somewhat thwarted a...

Singapore won the AFF Cup after managing a 3-1 win in the first leg final before losing 1-0 in the second leg. With a 3-2 aggregate, it was enough for the Lions to win their fourth title (1998, 2004, 2007 & 2012). Most of the Islanders enjoyed time together playing in the Malaysian Super League. Perhaps the time spent paid off. Nevertheless, credit goes to the Republic for they have won the title four times while Malaysia are still harping over their 2010 success. Where do we go from here? Perhaps we need to close our AFF 2012 chapter and move forward. To expect miracles in the 2015 Asian Cup qualifications is asking too much. And to lose good officials - currently in the form of Kelly Sathiraj to the FA of Thailand - ...it has to stop. Start listening to your own people, keep your egos aside. If you think you're darn good, then why nothing has changed over the years? Otherwise, Malaysians will always be known as being fair and kind to others, helping others to...

Many had expected the tactically superior Thais to draw or perhaps gain an early lead against Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night. Instead, hosts Singapore stunned Thailand 3-1 in the first leg AFF Cup final. I take back my words as both teams dished out excellent performances. Singapore obtained their goals through Mustafic Fahrudin (10th minute), Khairul Amri Kamal (61st) and Baihakki Khaizan (90th) ( pic ). The Thais, meanwhile, obtained their consolation goal through Adul Lahsoh (59th). Bet the Singaporeans will thank the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for providing them the avenue to prepare for the AFF Cup. With the exception of  Daniel Mark Bennett, Mustafic and Aleksandar Duric, the rest of the Singaporean players that saw action on the field last night featured for the LionsXII team in the Super League. However, the final has not ended with another 90 minutes to go in Bangkok on Dec 22. Once again, may the best team win. Meanwhile, here's the latest Fif...

It looks like certain parties have started their 'campaign' of installing a new national coach. Current custodian K.Rajagobal has been under fire no thanks to the unimpressive results chalked during a string of friendly matches prior the AFF Cup and the failure to retain the AFF Cup after losing 3-1 in aggregate to Thailand in the semi finals of the regional tournament. To be fair, Rajagobal has always maintained that his goal has always been to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia. Remember it is he who guided the team to win the 2010 edition. But what have we achieved since? As our neighbours Thailand and Singapore speak about their teams playing in the two-legged AFF Cup finals, Ong Kim Swee - Harimau Malaya's coach - hogs the limelight in the local dailies as some suggest he should take over Rajagobal's role. There are also polls on social media if Rajagobal should stay of leave ( pic right ). Amri Yahyah claims Kim Swee is suitable for the job as...

It was nothing like the first leg semi final clash at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Malaysia gave their visitors a run for their money despite the laser lights dancing around the bad field. It was a different story in Bangkok. The pitch was equally bad but South Korean referee Lee Min Hu will have a lot of explaining to do after sending off Fadhli Shas in the first half of the return leg semi final clash between both nations. Both teams were overly cautious in their tactics with Thailand spending most of the time in the Malaysian half. All they needed were two quick goals in the second half - courtesy of Teerasil Dangda and  Theerathon Butmathan (60th and 65th minutes respectively) sealed the deal for the host nation as they advance to the final with a 3-1 aggregate. Are the national defenders to be blamed for the two goals? Members of the Media in Bangkok quoted national coach K.Rajagobal as saying he is "proud of his lads" and will now "focus for the...

Singapore edged the Philippines 1-0 in the AFF Cup return leg semifinal at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night. The solitary goal of the match was scored by Khairul Amri in the 19th minute and the Island nation advanced to the final with a 1-0 aggregate (after having managed a goalless draw in the first leg clash in Manila on Saturday). National pride and personal sentiments aside, it remains unclear if both teams deserve a place in the semi finals to begin with . Nevertheless, Singapore did thrash Malaysia 3-0 in the curtain raiser at Bukit Jalil - Malaysia's worst defeat to their neighbours on home soil. Also, the other teams have failed to live up to expectations as many now question the standard of play in the region compared to the 2010 edition. That aside, the Harimau Malaya squad will now take on Thailand in the other return leg semi final in Bangkok tonight (8pm). Both teams were tied to a 1-1 draw in their first battle at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sun...

Malaysians may not have to wait much longer to enjoy higher mobile broadband speeds. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced the allocation of the much anticipated 2600 MHz spectrum band, paving the way for Malaysians to enjoy 4G services which could offer mobile broadband speeds in excess of 100 Mbps. That was obtained from a statement by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Read the full statement here . What does this means? Speedier broadband connections would mean information made available faster at your finger tips.This will see the a change in the way news, advertisements and even promotions presented to the users. The 4G services would see new smartphones dominating the industry as most use 3G phones at the moment. Downloads, mobile communication will be faster, benefiting the end user. This would surely be a plus point for investors to build their bases here. However, here's hoping that the telecommunic...

Those were the words of national coach K.Rajagobal right after Malaysia lost 3-0 to Singapore in the AFF Cup last night. Rajagobal was clearly dumbfounded with the scoreline but defended his players despite their rather poor performance on the field. Singapore skipper Shahril Ishak scored a brace while 'veteran' Aleksander Duric scored the final goal of the night as the national lads were left in tatters. "To be honest, a draw would have been a fair result. Yes, Khairul (Fahmi Che Mat) made a mistake..everyone makes mistakes. The team came back in the second half but we didn't score," said Rajagobal. Earlier, Rajagobal praised Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, saying the Kelantan player played a "good game". "We started positively but our play was marred by sloppy defending." At the last edition, Malaysia were whacked 5-1 in the opening match against Indonesia but bounced back to win the tournament. When asked if the same could happen agai...

Perhaps some folks are being polite, giving the small football nation their fair share of space in the dailies. Singapore's Today Online says Laos are possibly the bogey team . And it looks like the Laos team are in an upbeat mood. Malaysia play Laos in their second match on Nov 28. Judging by their performances in the series of friendly matches, they cannot take Laos for granted. After all, skipper Safiq Rahim did caution his team mates against playing Bangladesh and it turned out to be a 1-1 draw. On paper, Laos have no chance of advancing beyond Group B for they have the likes of Singapore and Indonesia as company. Nevertheless, do expect Laos to create at least an upset - as they did in the 2-2 draw against Thailand in the opening match in 2010 which certainly surprised many. Hopefully the upset will not be against Malaysia. And here is the finalised list for the Malaysian squad; Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Farizal Marlias, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Sh...