PETALING JAYA: Footballer Faisal Halim will not be part of the national team for their friendly match against Palestine on Monday (Sept 8) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski said the national winger was not part of the team that had travelled to Johor ahead of their friendly match against Palestine due to his ongoing divorce case and a minor knee issue.
“Faisal’s football preparation and team commitment have been excellent,” said Cklamovski during a press conference on Saturday (Sept 6).
“But he has a personal situation with his wife at the moment, which we respect. And a minor knee issue, which I believe won’t affect his football.
“Based on all those circumstances, it was the right decision for Faisal not to travel with the team.”
However, Cklamovski was confident that the Selangor wingers' off-field matters would not spill into his performance on the pitch.
“He’s a true professional and an inspiration to the nation. As the national team, we support him 100%,” said Cklamovski.
The friendly was part of the national team’s preparation for the AFC Asian Cup third round qualifiers in October.
