Dealing with Harimau Malaya’s self-inflicted wound

IN the realm of international football diplomacy, few missteps are as damaging as a last-minute withdrawal from a prestigious tournament - especially when the excuses are flimsy and the consequences far-reaching.

Malaysia’s decision to pull out of the CAFA Nations Cup 2025 tournament is not merely a logistical oversight. It can also be seen as a credibility crisis. A self-inflicted wound that undermines Harimau Malaya’s reputation and raises serious questions about the leadership steering our national team.