Foul!

Four Four Two journalist Vijhay Vick's accreditation card to cover the M-League has been "retracted" by Football Malaysia LLP last night. The letter, signed by FMLLP chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam, stated: "We are open to criticism by the public, however, it has been brought to FMLLP's attention that you have been overly critical of the Malaysian League and have made misleading statements and or shared misleading statements made by third parties. This is very damaging to the image of the League and the brand that we are trying to build." It remains unclear which articles written by Vijhay are said to be "overly critical" of the Malaysian League. Vijhay, in responding to the letter he received last night, said:  "I was shocked (to receive the letter). I would like to know which articles of mine that are overly critical of the league." It is best if FMLLP explained its definition of being "overly...

The article below appeared on the backpage of Sunday Mail . The words in red are strictly my views. By Vijhay Vick PETALING JAYA, July 12 — Perception matters and the FA of Malaysia (FAM) failed miserably at the executive committee (exco) meeting at Wisma FAM yesterday. Perception is known as persepsi in Bahasa Malaysia. Menurut Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Malaysia, persepsi bermaksud bayangan, gambaran atau tanggapan. This comes despite president Tengku Abdullah Shah pledging to the exco, via a letter read by general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin, he would step down if Malaysia fail to qualify for the 2019 Asian Cup. Really?  This is what The Star's K. Rajan wrote in his article today: " He has pulled off a similar stunt before. Tengku Abdullah had resigned as FAM deputy president in 2007 after the national team crashed out from the group stage of the 2007 Asian Cup – without a single win. Three years later, in 2010, he was b...

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...

As published in today's Mailsport Reports by Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my SINGAPORE - Mahali Jasuli hopes to end Malaysia's jinx when they play Myanmar today.  “We need a positive start. If we drop points it could cause us problem when we face Thailand and Singapore, who are the favourites to reach the semis,” said Mahali, who is aware  Malaysia lost their last two opening matches in the AFF Cup in 2010 and 2012.  “A win over be the perfect booster after poor results in our recent matches. It will ease some pressure as well." Mahali would likely start at rightback as Dollah Salleh's preferred choice Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak was left out due to injuries. Mahali also stressed they must not let the poor preparations affect them. Harimau Malaya only have one win - 4-1 over lowly Cambodia - from five preparation matches since August. They lost to Tajikistan (4-1), Indonesia (2-0), Syria (3-0) and Vietnam (3-1). “Our results i...

As published in Mailsport today By Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA - The FA of Malaysia (FAM) are keeping mum over talks that the national body is contemplating paying between RM400,000 and RM1.2 million to a third party to evaluate three potential sponsorship deals for the coming season. FAM deputy president Datuk Mokhtar Ahmad ( pic) , tasked to conduct the assessment, refused to comment over the matter. "I do not have the mandate to comment on this. It is best if these questions were directed to the president (Tengku Abdullah Shah)," he said. "We are still in the midst of evaluating the three deals. There is a need to be meticulous as it must be in the best interest of Malaysian football." Efforts to contact FAM general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin proved futile. Malay Mail, in its column Haresh Says yesterday, revealed there were efforts of getting a third party to make the decision on behalf of FAM. The article quoted an i...

As published in Mailsport today By Vijhay Vick  vijhayvick@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — Indonesian winger Andik Vermansyah is set to extend his stay with the Red Giants. It is learnt that the 22-year-old will meet officials from Selangor FA (FAS) this week to discuss terms. “He had a good season and efforts are underway to ensure he remains in Selangor colours,” said a source. “Andik is expected to return to Malaysia either today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today) with his agent. FAS are hoping to wrap everything up smoothly as they are still looking for at least another two foreign players to replace Steve Pantelidis and Evaldo Silva.” Andik joined Selangor at the start of last season and has been a hit with the Selangor fans, who despite seeing hit-man Paulo Rangel banging in goals, valued the contribution of the Indonesian more. Andik’s bursts down the flanks was often Selangor’s sole source of excitement and flair. Recently, Andik told repo...