Foul!

As published in Malay Mail today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — The government will not legalise sports betting despite claims the match-fixing threat has moved from Singapore to Malaysia. Finance Minister II Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani said regulating sports betting would not ensure the long-standing menace would be eliminated. “As far as the government is concerned, we are not going to approve sports betting. Simply put, it’s not a sector we’re looking into,” he said. “What assurance do we have that match-fixing will be eradicated if sports betting is legalised? Singapore legalised sports betting, yet they also had syndicates operating illegally. “We can’t be giving out licences just because there is a demand in the black market. That will not solve the problem.” Johari said there were no records or data to show the amount of “illegal outflow” of the ringgit due to sports betting and that figures bandied around were  merely estimates...

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.

Cardiff City have confirmed Dato Chan Tien Ghee (pic), has resigned as chairman. Ghee, known as TG to fans, persuaded Vincent Tan to buy into Cardiff City when the club was having financial difficulties under Peter Ridsdale. The Malaysian has been chairman of Cardiff since May 2010 and a director since May 2009. "TG is embarking on new career and business pursuits that requires his full attention," said a club statement. Read the full article here . This comes as a surprise to me personally for Tien Ghee has always been in the front line and was very passionate about football especially at the grassroots. Cardiff City, meanwhile, assured fans there will not be any change in name (Cardiff Dragons) following BBC Wales' interview with the club's owner Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan. HD says: Hmm....

This makes a good case study of instances where the social media supposedly representing the voice of a certain organisation (or its supporters) are clouded over what is acceptable and what isn't when engaging with the public. Cardiff City edged Bristol City FC 2-1 in a Championship match on Feb 16. Nevertheless, what stole the limelight was the way and manner those administrating Bristol City FC's Facebook and Twitter accounts engaged with its 'followers'. A picture of Bristol FC fans pointing at the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag) while singing; "What the f*ucking hell is that!" was posted on the Bristol City FC supporters page. This naturally resulted in fans further commenting about the "singing session" while Malaysians were obviously unimpressed with the whole episode There were banters exchanged on Twitter too, most often in a childish like manner. The key element of managing the "voice" of a certain group - offici...

CARDIFF CITY FC PRESS RELEASE AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE USE On behalf of the board of directors and after constructive and positive discussions with our principal investors, Cardiff City Football Club are delighted to announce that Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Dato Chan Tien Ghee (“our Investors”) have pledged their continuing commitment to enable the club to plan for the future. Following a comprehensive review of wider supporter feedback via email, letters, media coverage and polls run via the official Supporters Club and Media Wales and as a consequence of the above commitment, Cardiff City Football Club will also reactivate rebranding proposals with a view to exploiting and maximising its brand and commercial revenues in international markets, which it is hoped in turn will bring success to the club locally, whilst also attracting new partners and investors. As part of this commitment, funds have been earmarked to finally resolve the historical Langston ...