JOHOR BARU: Malaysians must stand united in defending the national football team from international disrespect, says Johor executive councillor Mohd Hairi Mad Shah.
The state youth, sports, entrepreneur development and cooperatives committee chairman called for solidarity with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and stressed that Tunku Ismail should not be left to fight alone in matters concerning the honour of Malaysian football.
“The dignity of the nation cannot be compromised. Issues related to document submissions should not be made an excuse to belittle Malaysia,” he said in a statement here on Sunday (Sept 28).
Mohd Hairi said every evaluation process by FIFA had already undergone strict scrutiny, while the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had also fulfilled its responsibilities by submitting all required documents.
The Larkin assemblyman urged all stakeholders, including state sports excos, ministers and relevant authorities, to come together in support of the national team instead of pointing fingers.
“This is the time to unite, not to find fault. The most important thing is to ensure that Harimau Malaya is not insulted on the international stage,” he added.
Mohd Hairi also voiced confidence in the new FAM leadership, who he said were making strong efforts to rejuvenate the national squad.
“Harimau Malaya is more than just a football team; it is a symbol of Malaysia’s pride. And this pride must be defended collectively,” he said.
Tunku Ismail, who had been supporting the participation of foreigners to raise the quality of Malaysian football, called for transparency and fairness from the world football governing body after FIFA abruptly hit FAM and seven national players with heavy sanctions on Friday (Sept 26).
In a strongly worded statement, Tunku Ismail expressed disappointment over what he described as an unexplained and abrupt decision.
“FAM followed the process and collaborated with FIFA and the Malaysian government. FIFA had previously approved, so why has their decision changed now?
“What happened to cause such a sudden decision like this? Is there an external entity involved in influencing FIFA’s decision?” he asked on his X page on Saturday (Sept 27).
Tunku Ismail, who is overseeing the Harimau Malaya project, also criticised the manner in which the punishment was imposed, saying FIFA failed to provide clear reasons for its ruling.
“Another question – the punishment was imposed without providing reasons for the decision. Furthermore, FIFA were quick to release the decision in the public domain even though the appeal process had not been completed,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the FAM would take immediate steps to appeal against the decision, while urging Malaysian football supporters and officials to stay united.
On his X page, he also posted documents from the National Registration Department, affirming that due diligence and lawful procedures were observed during the process to issue citizenship.
“We are not afraid and will not bow to individuals who are worried about the rise of Harimau Malaya. Fight on, fight on. Brave because we are right,” he wrote.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed the sanctions on FAM and seven players for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which pertains to forgery and falsification.
FIFA found that FAM had submitted falsified documents during the eligibility process, allowing the following players - Gabriel Palermo, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel to participate in the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
The investigation, which was launched following a formal complaint about the players’ eligibility, concluded with FAM being fined 350,000 Swiss francs (approximately RM1.85mil). Each player was fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,570) and handed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities.
