PETALING JAYA: Veteran football figure Datuk M. Karathu has lamented the controversy over the mixed-heritage players, calling it a “sad day for Malaysian football.”
He urged the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to reflect deeply and take steps to restore integrity to the national set-up.
FIFA had fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil) and banned seven heritage players for 12 months after finding irregularities in their registration documents – a development that has shocked the local football fraternity.
Karathu, a former coach for sides like Perak and Kelantan and a Malaysian international from 1963 to 1970, said the matter has raised serious questions about how the process was handled and who was involved.
“We need to know how it was done. Was it via agents? What made these players decide to play for Malaysia only when they were 28 or 29?” said Karathu.
“If it is indeed true, then it is a sad thing for Malaysian football. It can even be called a disgrace.”
The 82-year-old, who has spent over five decades in the sport, said transparency is vital in resolving the issue and urged FAM to ensure such situations were not repeated.
“I’ve been in football for a long time – as a player, a coach and a technical director. I’ve seen it all. From officials to agents, you always have to be mindful.
“The world body would not have issued a statement without solid evidence. We know FAM will appeal once the full judgment is made, so let’s wait – but questions must be asked.”
Karathu, who has been a strong advocate of youth and grassroots football, said the incident reflects a deeper problem in the local game – one that stems from a lack of long-term development and reliance on foreign players.
“When Tunku Abdul Rahman (former Prime Minister) was the AFC president, we had the Merdeka Tournament, which inspired young players and built generations of footballers,” he said.
“Now, we’re dealing with fewer fans watching local games and an over-reliance on imports. Yet we have so many talented local kids who can excel if developed properly.”
Karathu believes the way forward lies in returning to the fundamentals – nurturing homegrown players through strong grassroots programmes and technical education.
“During my morning walks, I still see kids playing so well. If we teach them how to press, when to attack and defend properly, we’ll have our own stars - like how Spain’s Lamine Yamal has emerged at such a young age,” he said.
Karathu said the current controversy should serve as a wake-up call for Malaysian football’s leaders.
“It’s time for FAM to reflect and think deeply about the game,” he said.
“People, including myself, want answers. Malaysia wants a national team it can believe in – a reasonable team that can truly excel.”
