KUALA LUMPUR: National football coach Peter Cklamovski (pic) insists his focus remains firmly on preparing the Harimau Malaya for their next challenge, despite the storm surrounding the Football Association of Malaysia’s ongoing FIFA sanctions.
Speaking after the team’s arrival for their latest training camp at the Hyatt Place here on Monday (Nov 10), Cklamovski made it clear he would not be distracted by the off-field noise following FIFA’s decision to reject FAM’s appeal and uphold all sanctions, including 12-month suspensions for seven players and a hefty fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8mil).
"Those matters are beyond my control, so I don’t waste energy on them," said the Australian.
"My focus is fully on this camp, preparing the players, and ensuring we execute our plan. I receive basic updates, but my job is to coach the team and make sure we perform."
The suspended players are Gabriel Palmero, Rodrigo Holgado, Facundo Garces, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, Hector Hevel and Imanol Machuca - all of whom were implicated in the registration controversy that has rocked Malaysian football in recent months.
FAM have since stated that it has requested a motivated decision from FIFA and will act based on legal advice before proceeding with an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Despite the uncertainty, Cklamovski is determined to maintain focus within the camp. He reminded his players that their responsibility lies on the pitch, not off it.
"Like in previous camps, there’s always outside noise, but we can’t control that," he said.
"What we can control is how we train, play and represent Malaysia. Our focus is on inspiring the nation through our football - the way we play, behave and carry ourselves. Everything else is just noise, and we don’t give it energy."
Cklamovski, who has guided Malaysia to an unbeaten run in 2025 so far, said his players remain committed to finishing the year on a high by acing the upcoming Asian Cup 2027 third-round qualifiers game against Nepal at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 18.
