FAM suspend Faisal one-month for making comment to media

PETALING JAYA: “Allah never sleeps.”

That’s the message posted by Selangor and national player Faisal Halim (pic) on his Instagram account after he was suspended for a month by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) due to a comment he made after the Super League match against Sabah on April 27.

The brief statement is enough to describe the feelings of the 25-year-old who will miss five matches against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and two Malaysia Cup matches against Police.

The post was also accompanied by a photo of Faisal wearing the Red Giants jersey and the posting received mixed reactions from the supporters, especially Selangor fans.

Most said they will always be behind the player and hope that Faisal who is better known as Mickey, can come back stronger after serving the suspension.

There were also some who suggested that the player retire from the national squad after getting such treatment dished out by FAM.

Faisal was suspended for a month following a statement he issued during a media interview after the Super League match against Sabah three months ago.

FAM secretary general Noor Azman Rahman explained in a statement released late Wednesday that Faisal was brought before the Disciplinary Committee after being found to have violated Article 61 of the FAM Disciplinary Code (press statements) and Article 82 of the FAM Statute (contributions to the media) through the statement he issued on April 27.“

According to the decision, Faisal was actually suspended for four months from July 25 to Nov 21, 2023.

“However, Faisal was only suspended for one month (July 25 to Aug 23, 2023), of which the next three-month suspension will be suspended subject to good behavior for 12 months starting on Aug 24, 2023.

“However, Faisal will still be given the opportunity to make an official appeal against the suspension imposed on him to the FAM Appeals Committee.

“On this occasion, FAM would like to advise football players who play in the Malaysian League to be more careful when giving media statements and to learn from this case,” said Noor Azman.