Foul!

While the limelight will naturally be on Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan and his newly promoted Cardiff City FC (CCFC), one cannot dismiss the role played by another Malaysian Chan Tien Ghee who played an important role to the Welsh-based club's success since 2009. CCFC last earned a promotion to top flight football in 1960. Tien Ghee left as CCFC chairman recently to "place full attention in his business ventures". Not wanting to steal the thunder from Vincent, Tien Ghee sung praises to his former CCFC business partner. "I'm happy for Vincent, CCFC and most importantly for Malaysia. This one's for Malaysia too." Even QPR owner Tony Fernandes - who's club is staring at a possible relegation - congratulated Vincent the climb. Read more in The Malay Mail today. HD says: Well done CCFC.

I was invited on Nadi Arena yesterday to speak about the three 'minor' sports - woodball , muay thai and beach football - being included in the upcoming Malaysia Games in KL. Among what I had said: 1. While such games may turn many off, it must be reminded that the likes of BMX and curling actually made it to the Olympics. BMX was criticised as being a rebellious teenagers' sport while the sexiest and prejudice few called curling (and still do) as a housewives' game. Remember when futsal was first introduced and the purist said it brought shame to the beautiful game? Now there are more people playing futsal then 11-aside football. Go figure. 2. Can the organisers of the Malaysia Games be called confused when the confusion is also seen at the Sea Games Federation level? Traditional and sometimes 'ridiculous' sports are included by host nations and yet it is approved by the regional federation. 3. Sports today is about commercialisation and since the Spo...

It is not easy for a Malaysian to play in the English Premier League. It is not about the football standards alone but obtaining the work permit. Safiq enjoyed a training stint with Wales club Cardiff City recently. Yet, that has not stopped fresh speculation of national skipper Safiq Rahim playing for Queens Park Rangers next year. According to EyeFootball.com ; "Tony ( shouldn't it be Neil ?) Warnock has been recommended Rahim by (Tony) Fernandes' representatives, and the player will arrive on trial in January to spend time with the first team." But what caught my attention is the final paragraph of the article; "Selangor value the midfielder at around 300,000 GBP but a trial period is expected prior to any permanent deal." That's about RM1.4 million! No disrespect to Safiq but....biar benar wei?!?! HD says: The above mentioned website seem to have placed a wrong picture. I'm a little skeptical over the report.