PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football must accept responsibility and move forward after FIFA dismissed the Football Association of Malaysia’s appeal over sanctions on seven naturalised players, says former striker Safee Sali.
Safee, who won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup under Datuk K. Rajagopal and was the tournament’s top scorer, said the lesson must be taken seriously.
“It is hard for the fans and those in the industry. FIFA was clear and we must accept it. We must improve and focus on the next game,” he added.
Safee urged everyone to stay positive despite the damage to Malaysia’s image.
“We must stand with the national team. We cannot go down because of this,” he added. To fight FIFA at CAS might not work. We should accept our mistakes and learn from it,” he added.
He cautioned against rushing decisions in pursuit of instant success.
“We want quick results, but we must ask if we are making the right decisions,” he said.
“Those in FAM must take responsibility. In the future, we must nurture football with love and passion. If we care for the sport, it will get better,” he added.
On Monday (Nov 3), FIFA rejected FAM’s appeal and upheld sanctions on the association and seven mixed heritage players.
FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil).
The players were each fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,400) and suspended for 12 months from all football-related activities.
