FAM want volatile Ultras Malaya to toe the line

pix by The Star

Love them or hate them?

Even FA of Malaysia (FAM) are torn between the two.

It is undeniable that Ultras Malaya add flavour to football stadiums thoroughout the country, also via splinter groups in the respective state.Their support is undying.

But are there lines that should not be crossed?

The governing body had only recently praised the supporters group for the support during the Merdeka Tournament.

But it was a different case when FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Ahmad Shah warned the Ultras to behave yesterday.

"Our Country's name and image is at stake," he said

The Crown Prince of Pahang was responding to recent turn of events which had seen FAM face an AFC inquiry over the use of smoke-bombs and an S-League match between Harimau Muda B and Young Lions called off after the group pelted the pitch with flares and smoke-bombs.

The start of the ruckus -  pix by SLeague.com

Ultras Malaya leader Freddy was firm in saying the fans in Pasir Gudang did the right thing after being provoked.

FIFA, AFC, and FAM regulations are clear - the use of any form of pyrotechnics are strictly prohibited

My take - Ultras Malaya brings the stadium alive, especially when Malaysia are playing. They turn up in numbers to create a great atmosphere. But let's keep those flares, fireworks and smoke-bombs at home. It is only inviting trouble.

Here's a question to the Ultras Malaya - Would you rather toe the line or see drastic sanctions such as playing in an empty stadium?

ps: It's been a very very very long time since I blogged. Back at The Malay Mail once again :)

FAM will not punish TMJ

pic taken from www.sports247.my

Video evidence is all that stands in the way of Johor FA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ) from falling victim to the draconian Article 88, which Kelantan's Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Perlis's Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim have already fallen victim since last year.

However, contrary to what was mentioned at the FAM post-Disciplinary Committee meeting yesterday, there will not be any action towards the Crown Prince of Johor.

The reason is simple as there ISN'T any video footage of the impromptu press conference at Thistle Hotel last week as NO recordings were allowed. It was indeed a bold move by TMJ or else he too would have been suspended for speaking up against bad governance. Click here for TMJ's statement.

and here's the comical proceedings of the FAM's press conference yesterday - FAM to look into statement?

However, questions can be asked of the FA of Malaysia. Is video footage a mandatory requirement or is the matter threaded cautiously considering it involves a Royalty?

If video footage is mandatory, does this mean that FAM refuses to acknowledge reports on print?

Something to ponder on, which may be irrelevant, but journalists and officials have been issued legal letters for various reasons in the past for what was published. Mostly without video evidence.

Maybe, the laws of FAM are different.

DISCLAIMER: In no way is this a personal attack towards any individuals. I stand by my stance that while TMJ spoke what most are afraid of speaking, rules are rules. A bad law is nonetheless a law.

For FAM, this is a case of dammed if they do, dammed if they don't

Pathetic treatment for Harimau Malaya in Bangkok

That pretty much sums up Malaysia's first outdoor training session in Bangkok.

Do I need to say more besides "This field is f**king pathetic!"?

It was not really a field day for Malaysia. (click on the link to read more and see more pictures of the deplorable state of the so called 'Stadium' allotted to Malaysia to training)

Simply put, it is high time Malaysia play similar tactics to foreign teams such as Thailand and Indonesia (where is just wasn't safe to do anything).

But no, Malaysia will not resort to similar acts. We are gracious hosts and providing the best for visitors/foreigners/immigrants/etc has always been one of our values. Let's continue that despite getting shit from our neighbours.

M-League matches to be played in the evening

We hear of the need to bring back the fans all the time - FA of Malaysia (FAM), States, Clubs and even the media have all spoke of the need to get the fans to pack stadiums again like in the glory days of Malaysian football.

Often, the national body and States/clubs have been blamed for the lack of fans as it lacks the professionalism, quality and what not.

But now, local authorities will have to take the blame too.

To get the fans, the matches must also be played at a convenient time for folks to come in numbers. However, due to lighting requirement set by FAM, only five stadiums will be able to host night matches.

The rest fail to meet the minimum 1000 Lux requirement on all nine floodlights.

There is nothing teams can do as they have no jurisdiction over the stadiums

Read Sports247.my's Left in the dark for more on this.

Jom kita ke Stadium Bukit Jalil!

Forget the English Premier League, La Liga or Serie A for a night.

Bukit Jalil Stadium is the place to be. Why? We need to get behind our national team as they face a crucial AFF Suzuki Cup Group B tie against arch rivals Indonesia.

Never really believed Paul.

It is an interesting scenario in the group. All four teams can still make it to the semifinals. Read Battle for Survival for the possible scenarios at the end of the day.

It is going to be a heated game for sure - not just on the pitch but in the stands as Ultras Malaya will the 12th man.

It's humorous how Indonesia have found their tricks once again - the maggot found in their food at the hotel and claiming the need of protection as seen here.

Sudah lupa Sea Games 2011 final and the previous AFF Suzuki Cup second-leg final ka?

Rest assured, Indonesia, your are fans are safer at the Bukit Jalil Stadium than the Gelora Bung Karno.

AFF Suzuki Cup not Malaysia's priority?

Pic by Helmi Dawi, Sports247.my

Well at least it appears so for the FA of Malaysia and newly signed Johor forward Norshahrul Idlan Talaha?

Why else would his contract issue with former side Kelantan be more important than focusing on the AFF Suzuki Cup?

Malaysia had lost the opening match to Singapore. It was a heavy and humiliating 3-0 defeat.

However, instead of focussing solely on that - like what they do in truly professional do - FAM heard Norshahrul's case in a Status Committee meeting yesterday. The now former Kelantan striker was also present at FAM.

It is not about whether he can remain focus. But do we usually hear players in bigger footballing countries saying "We'll sort it out after the tournament" or something along those lines when questioned of their transfer to a new club during an on-going tourney?

But here we have a striker and an organisation that saw great urgency in concluding his club contractual issue. Perhaps, there was pressure from up above?

Read Get your priorities right for the full story.

Nt: Why are we still talking about past successes and how we did it, when we are told to forget the past disappointments? I'm dumbfounded!

A wet affair? - AFF Suzuki Cup

Someone might as well sell raincoats outside the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil for the next one week.

It is a wet season after all - and if you think you'll be covered during the match times at least, think again.

There are gaping holes on the Stadium roof that would allow rain through should there be any.

sports247.my has more on it here.

So, the time has come for Harimau Malaya to wake up from their recent hibernation. Four friendlies were played, four disappointing acts were recorded. But does that give a definite answer as to how they'll fare in the AFF Suzuki Cup?

In previous years - the last AFF Suzuki Cup, SEA Games (2009 & 2011) - the team's chances were dismissed but they went on to win those tournaments to earned the title "Kings of Southeast Asia". It's the same now, can they repeat history?

Let's hope so.

One thing for sure is that national coach K. Rajagobal and his army are ready for Singapore. Open the Lions' den?

PM's historic visit disrupts training

It was a historic visit nonetheless. But shouldn't this had happened during lunch or prior to the training?

Before that... read Historic Visit for what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had to say to the players during his brief visit to Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

“Winning or losing will depend on the circumstances and luck but you have to give your 100 per cent commitment and work as a team,” Najib told the players.

While the PM's presence was seen a show of faith by national coach K. Rajagobal, his body language spoke a different tone prior to the arrival of the Premier.

Why?

Simple. It is crucial time for the Harimau Malaya. They took the field for their physical routine as early as 5pm but were forced to get indoors at approximately 5.15pm as the greet session could not be held outdoor because the skies threatened to open.

Najib was expected to arrive with his entourage, which included Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahamd Shabery Cheek, at 5.30pm. However, as the skies cleared, the event was pushed to the outdoors again to await the PM, who we were told was still in Putrajaya.

As he arrived at 6.10, watched the players train and gave his words of wisdom to the players before departing 20 minutes later.

The visit was in good faith and could only mean good but it should not have interrupted training. Halting training twice due to red tape is not what the players need ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup opening match against Singapore on Sunday.

Ps. The event was supposed to be a closed one with only official media (Bernama, RTM, and 1Malaysia TV) present but as Sports writers and pixmen from other organisation were there to their job, a certain aide of the PM was seen running around frantically trying to keep the rest at bay.

Sigh, why the exclusivity?

Rajagobal prepared for drastic changes

Just four days to the start of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Just fours days till Malaysia play Singapore. Just four days for Malaysia to dwell upon the disappointing four preparation matches they had played.

A losing start is never fatal but should Malaysia not get three points against Singapore, things may not be good as it could all boil down to seeking a good goal difference advantage against Laos and a positive result against Indonesia.

Problem is Malaysia are finding it hard to get it going up front. Only two goals were scored in their last four matches while the defence let in five.

The Tigers, under K. Rajagobal have always rose to the occasion. Remember the Sea Games in 2009 and last AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010?. No one gave them a chance then.

But this time is it different?

Pic by Sports247.my (Helmi Dawi)

One thing that is different is that national coach K. Rajagobal, the man who has long publicly defended his boys, lost his cool with the players after draw with lowly Bangladesh yesterday.

"I am going to be very stern with the players. If they don’t change the way they have been playing, I’m ready to make drastic changes, even dropping players; I don’t care! 

"There must be changes and if there aren’t, I will make changes to the team” warned Rajagobal.

For more read Players make Rajagobal-listic, Rajagobal: Change or be changed and here's the match report of yesterday game, Another disappointing act.

Wake up, Malaysia!

It is going to be tough. 

They say winning a trophy is easier than keeping it. Malaysia are on a mission - that is to defend the AFF Cup.

But first Malaysia needs to Wake Up.

National coach K. Rajagobal is understandably disappointed that some of his players let him down. 

I am disappointed with the result. The players need to wake up before the AFF Suzuki Cup. Mistakes do happen, but they have to have the confidence to get back up,” said the 56-year-old. 

The 1-1 draw against Hong Kong was not the result the players needed. Coming after successive defeats to Vietnam and Thailand it was a telling sign. The players need to buck up, raise their spirits and believe in themselves once again.

With just 10 days to the start of the regional games, the above saying may come back to bite the Harimau Malaya.

Hopefully, as Rajagobal mentioned during the post match press conference, "the players can't give excuses if they don't perform against Bangladesh and the AFF."

The sight of the Ultras Malaya chanting the team on was a sight I'd like to see the Bukit Jalil filled with come Nov 25 onwards.

Ps. There's a new look for Sports247.my.

FAM discourages club football system.

That is what can be deduced by FA of Malaysia's (FAM) knee-jerk decision to bar clubs from partaking in the President's Cup, a development tournament for junior players.

Sports247.my has a piece on how FAM have taken One Step Forward, Two Steps Backwards.

As result clubs such as NS Betaria, Sime Darby, Johor FC, PKNS and T-Team will have to either scrap their youth development programme or resort to playing only smaller scale tournaments as the FAM does not want to promote club football.

Instead, FAM want the their affiliates to develop football and produce talents.

Kids, if you are serious of making football a career - stay away from the clubs. That could well be the underlining message of such decision.

Former colleague and friend Haresh Deol reported the possibility of such move yesterday on Foul!
Bro, Kelab Dianaktirikan ke?

National Football Awards - did they get it right?

Did the panel selecting the winners only watched the Malaysia Cup?

That was the question that sports journos in the country were asking when the winners were announced earlier today.

Some of the winners did not perform up to the mark in the M-League, in some cases were overshadowed by the presence of foreign players, but a good showing at the Malaysia Cup got them awards.

No disrespect to Selangor's Safiq Rahim, on-loan Rozaimi Abdul Rahman or Kelantan's Norshahrul Idlan Talaha but there were better options that the panel perhaps overlooked - some were even among the nominees.

Wasn't the awards suppose to be an overall one? Taking into account the Super League, Premier League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup altogether?

And what happened to foreign players being eligible for all the awards as previously mentioned here. I guess someone thought the foreign players would have swept most of the awards so decided to narrow them down to just one award - Best Foreign player. Btw, such did not exist at the awards announcements a forth night ago.

Let's have a healthy competition la.

Truth prevails? Nope!

The dust has settled on the Peter Butler – Terengganu saga.

Indeed, but the general perception on the matter, after FA of Malaysia (FAM) decision to declare Terengganu FA’s punishment on Butler null and void, is that Butler has been vindicated of all that has happened.

But does that mean what Butler, who seems to feel exonerated, has done nothing wrong? Bare in mind the national body’s decision was based solely on the non-compliance with procedural rules.

Butler had:

1. Rightly dropped Muslim Ahmad and Ismail Faruqi for breaking curfew and allegedly bringing girls into their hotel rooms.

2. Goalkeeper Sharbinee was abused, cursed,pushed and accused of match fixing in PUBLIC.

3. Revealed on his Twitter account that he did not have a free hand in deciding the team.

4. Had spoke about these matters to the media without getting approval from the State FA.

In return Butler was:

1. Suspended 6-months, effectively ending his employment.

2. Fine RM4,000

3. Futher fine 15% of his monthly salary.

But FA of Malaysia overturned the punishments last week.

Now would they have done so if Terengganu FA had adhered to procedures?

Here's what secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad had to say...... wrong procedure in Butler's case

Butler was wrong to speak to the media, he should have followed the proper channels. His arguments were valid but again, he didn’t choose the proper channels.

If there was a lesson to be learnt from the saga then it is not that truth will prevail but follow the procedures (some will have to lay down the procedures first)

Anyway it has been a good M-League season - for all reasong. Here's my two cents worth.... 'The good, the bad and the ugly

Cut the testing, Datuk.......

pic taken from a Nike Malaysia advert

Granted, it was a friendly match. But a defeat is a defeat, our first on home soil since 2009, and we need to act.

The 2-0 loss against Vietnam at the Bukit Jalil Stadium was one that we needed - a wake-up call to those aspiring to break into the first team.

Nothing drastic is needed as there is no need to push the panic button as national coach K. Rajagobal mentioned after the loss.

But one is for sure, we have to stop the experimenting. The AFF Suzuki Cup is just a couple of months away and it's time to put out our finest players together in the coming preparation matches.

It may just be my two cents worth opinion or it may just be what Rajagobal has to do. 

For more ready my comment published by Sports247.my. Click here 

Here's our future athletes, Singapore.

Singapore may, in say 8-10 years, have better Badminton players than us.

It's not that they have en excellent development programmes or more talented youngsters, but because the Republic are offering Malaysia's top Under-12 players education scholarships and a place in the Singapore Sports School.

This was revealed by Sports247.my in Cradle Snatcher several days ago.

Ethical or not, is a different matter. But what can we do to stop this?

BA of Malaysia admitted that they are powerless in stopping this as Singapore has the right to give such offers.

The national body's secretary Ng Chin Chai conceded that BAM need to work with Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in providing a better package for the young talents - maybe even a better education programme (if necessary) and more high quality coaches.

However, BJSS must change their ways. They have turned down potential talent in the past before.Should Malaysia lose more young talent, this could be a lesson for being picky.

and it is Vijhay Vick - Senior Writer, Sports247.my as of Sept 1, 2012 (officially).

Ramlan moves on... with the Sports Minister.

So former National Sports Institute (ISN) CEO Dr. Ramlan Aziz is ready take office as the Special Advisor to the Sports Minister.

Pursuant to a Sports247 reports here and then here the next day, Ramlan was sent the following text. 

Good evening Sir, would you care to comment on Sports247's story regarding you being replaced?. Minister was quoted saying, Shapawi's appointment has no controversy and the focus is on 2016 Olympics which needs immediate attention. This can be seen as if you have been made the scapegoat and that u have been replaced as actions need to be taken for next Games. This also means that you being replaced is the action needed.. -Regards, Vijhay Vick.

and this was the reply sent by the new Special Advisor

My appointment opens the way for the new CEO of ISN to concentrate on the administrative and financial management aspects. My appointment underscores YB Minister's seriousness ineffecting innovative ideas into launching Malaysian sports performance to a higher level and to glean sustainable success through application of science and technology in high performance sport and the provision of world class healthcare and injury management plus antidoping for our national athletes. My task generally is to oversee the strategic planning, implementation and effective monitoring & evaluation of systems, processes and putting in place the right culture for Malaysian athletes to excel and succeed on the world stage in a sustainable and meaningful way. The benefits of all this work at high performance level should also be harnessed usefully to benefit society at large in terms of improving health and social indices towards a progressive, harmonious and healthy society, with the involvement of partners and stakeholders in the industry and all governmental and non-governmental organisations, both in Malaysia and internationally.

 Sports247 has the full story here

and for those who have missed the turn of things, click here

The Scapegoat of the London Olympics.

Is it really in us (Malaysia) to make someone a scapegoat for a failure or wrong doing?

The just-concluded Olympics in London is no different. But a rather surprising scapegoat candidate has emerged, so it seems based on some quotes carried by Sports247.

Yes, despite the one silver and one bronze return it was still a failure. No disrespect to Lee Chong Wei and Pandelela Rinong, who gave their all for the country, but was the RM20million spent on the Road to London programme money well spent if looked at the Games in its entirety?

Sports Minister Datuk Seri Shabery Cheek was quoted saying “The appointment of (National Sports Council Athletes Preparation Director) Shapawi to replace (National Sports Institute Chief Executive Officer) Dr Ramlan, is not controversial. For me it is to focus on the 2016 Olympics, which needs immediate action."

What does this mean?

The way I see it, action needs to be taken hence Dr. Ramlan had to be replaced. Does this mean, the humble man did not do his job well?

Sports247 has the full story here

So Shapawi has taken over and Dr. Ramlan has been appointed as Special Advisor to the Sports Minister/Ministry despite discussions still on-going over his position.

How is it that one can be appointed despite the position being unclear?

If haven't been following the chain of event over the matter, Foul! has it all.

I was torn between two graphics. So here's the other one.

Forget Rio, the Olympic gold may take longer than that

Never have we been more expectant/hopeful of the ever elusive Olympic gold medal.

The just-concluded Games in London was Malaysia's best chance in hearing the Negaraku playing at an Olympic event. Yet, we put all hope on a sole individual. One that was tamed at the previous Games in Beijing four years ago.

Whether he succumbed to pressure or the injury that nearly ended this Olympic dreams played a part is something only Lee Chong Wei can answer. But one thing is for sure, the 29-year-old Perak-born-Penang-bred shuttler gave his all.

But what about the rest? Did they live up to expectations or failed to deliver. To be frank, some did while other medal hopefuls just let themselves down.

If there was one athlete that will receive the adulation from Malaysia is none other than Sarawakian Pandelela Rinong, whose last two dives in the women's 10m platform earned her a place in the national history books by being our first female athlete to stand on the podium at the biggest stage of them all. (let's count official medals only please)

Read my full wrap-up on Malaysia's Olympics campaign on Sports247 - to those that have yet to hear the news, Sept 1 it's senior writer, Sports247 for yours truly.

ps. Here's a nice color story on Pamg Joheng, our diving queen's dad. This NST piece reminds me of something The Malay Mail would have carried. Read A father's Olympian sacrifice.

Shahidan and Karim on head-on?

They once had each other's back.

But have not spoken of each other much of late.

In fact Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and deputy Karim Ibrahim could be on a head-on, according to a source within the national body.

Sport247 has it all here.

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that Karim is ready to serve for another term, if elected, despite the ever pending doping inquiry on him.

Also on Sport247 here

Do we still need Government funds?

EVERYONE wants recognition, everyone wants credit and everyone wants to have the final say.

In short, everyone wants everything for themselves.

This could mean only two things — people may want to work as hard as they can to achieve all or some may take the easier option by just relying on bureaucracy to get it all.

That was the introduction to my commentary piece, From the Sidelines in today's Malay Mail, titled Government funds - bane or boon?

To those who come under the first group of people, well done. You've earned your right.

But those who fall in the second category, shame on you.

I'm not going to point fingers here, as then a defamation may follow. But the People are not stupid and may rightly see the point being driven.

Read the story published by Mailsport and you'll know where I'm headed.

Anyway back to the issue. Do we need to constantly rely on Government funds? 

From one point of view - yes but with no strings attached.

From another - it involves the athletes directly.

I had a good debate over Twitter with national athletes, bowler Zandra Aziela and swimmer Khoo Cai Lin. We agreed to disagree on many things, mainly as to why there should be government funds.

But we also conclusively agreed that some just don't deserve it. No names were mentioned but rather we spoke in general.

In short (my suggestion)

1. Funds be focused on the development of the athletes rather than the elite athletes - let's encourage self sustenance for the elite athletes or reserve funds for top notch or deserving athletes only.

2. NSC concentrates solely on the development and sports associations (NSA) be directly funded (if necessary) by the Sports Ministry.

3. Create an achievement based scheme for funding. Shape out or ship out. - some in the athletic industry have not even equaled their best in years.