Foul!

As published in Mailsport today Double contracts illegal, say FAM By Nicolas Anil nicolas@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — The FA of Malaysia (FAM) said an M-League team cannot offer two contracts to a footballer, deeming the practice illegal. “We have informed all teams and clubs they must only have one official contract recognised by FAM. To offer two contracts to the same player is illegal,” said FAM general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin. “This cannot and must not be condoned.” Hamidin also chided the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) after their chief executive officer Izham Ismail, had on Tuesday said it is not illegal to sign two contracts with one team. Izham said this after revealing 21 players, mostly from Armed Forces, had not been paid wages amounting to RM4.3 million and teams made their players sign two contracts to pay lower income tax, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions. PF...

Why does the FA of Malaysia (FAM) constantly allow itself to be criticised by fans and observers alike? The steps taken and the decisions made by the national body are rather mind boggling most of the time. True they have taken the liberty on many occasions to correct members of the Press claiming the latter are often ‘confused’ and fail to grasp the mechanics and regulations placed within the national body. Yet, there is a saying among those who have read law; "Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done” ( R v Sussex Justices, Ex parte McCarthy [1924]) Sadly, justice was not seen in the sentencing of four Armed Forces players namely Shukor Adan, G.Jeevanthan, R.Surendran and Fitri Omar who were suspended for several matches. Skipper Hairuddin Omar, meanwhile, was let off with a stern warning. Members of the Press were confused indeed. Confused to why no Selangor players were hauled up. Checks with the Selangor camp revealed that no...

UPDATE 2.57pm: And this is Hodak's response to the article below; "Will, may, could...these are all English words which are cleverly used. I am still negotiating with Kelantan so if you ask me my answer is simple - I don't know lah...it depends on what transpires between me and Kelantan FA. I have delivered and now it is about receiving the rightful payment. Everyone needs money, I need money, my wife needs money, my kids needs money, even my friends at Kelab Aman need me to make money so that I can buy them drinks (before bursting into laughter)." And in his SMS to me he said; "I am leaving Kelantan this week...till 15th November for holiday." LOL!   ------- So says Reuters as seen in this story; Joy was short-lived for fans of Kelantan soccer club when, after seeing the side complete the domestic treble with victory in the Malaysia Cup, coach Bojan Hodak hinted he may quit the top-flight club.  "I am a professional ...

An epic battle awaits Armed Forces (ATM) and Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium come October 20. Having brushed aside LionsXII on Thursday, ATM are in the midst of working their tactics while The Red Warriors are still celebrating after having managed a 2-0 win over Selangor in the return leg of the semi final yesterday (aggregate 3-0). Mohammad Ghaddar drew first blood with by chipping the ball past Selangor's goalkeeper while Badri Radzi sealed the deal in the dying minutes to ensure Kelantan continue their hunt for another trophy. Both ATM coach B.Satianathan and Kelantan coach Boyan Hodak know each other well enough - so well that they will still end up having a beer or two despite the result on October 20. Will the disciplined ATM side steal the thunder or could the Red Warriors - full of soul and character - add another silverware in their trophy cabinet? All will be answered come Oct 20. HD says: It was a really good match. Lot's of great runs, passes, shots ...