Latest news with #AsianCup
The Star
15 hours ago
- The Star
Investigations into footballer's acid attack can resume if new leads emerge
KUALA LUMPUR: Investigations into the case of a footballer subjected to an acid attack in May last year can still proceed if new leads are found, the Dewan Rakyat was told. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said stated this, citing the criminal nature of the case. 'Unlike a civil case, it is not subject to a certain time frame. If there are new leads in the future, investigations and further review towards the case can still be carried out,' she said in a written reply on Thursday (July 31). According to Azalina, feedback from the Attorney-General's Chambers indicated that an investigation paper was opened by the police into the acid attack in Kota Damansara, Selangor. 'The AGC reviewed the information and documents received but found that there are no statements that warrant further action,' she added. She was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (Perikatan-Alor Setar), who asked for justification regarding the AGC's decision to classify the acid attack case involving national footballer Muhammad Faisal Halim as requiring 'no further action'. On May 5 last year, the 27-year-old 2023 Asian Cup top scorer was the victim of an acid attack at a shopping mall in Kota Damansara, leaving him with fourth-degree burns on multiple parts of his body. After the case was classified as 'no further action', Muhammad Faisal, through his lawyers, expressed deep disappointment over the closure of the investigation into the acid attack.
Arab Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait Olympic team sharpens form for AFC U-23 quest against Kazma
KUWAIT CITY, July 30: Kuwait's Olympic football team is set to face Kazma in a friendly match today at 6:00 pm at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium, as both sides continue their preparations for upcoming competitions. Kazma is gearing up for the new Zain Premier League season, which kicks off on September 12. Meanwhile, the Olympic team is in the midst of its training program ahead of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Myanmar from September 1 to 9. Kuwait has been drawn into Group B alongside Japan, Afghanistan, and host Myanmar. The qualifiers serve as a pathway to the AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia in January 2026. As part of its build-up, the Olympic squad will play a second friendly next week against Fahaheel before heading to Thailand in mid-August for a training camp that will finalize preparations for the qualifiers. In a separate development, Al-Arabi kicks off its overseas training camp in Abu Dhabi with a friendly match against UAE's Hatta Club this evening at 6:00 pm. The match forms part of Al-Arabi's buildup for its crucial AFC Challenge League playoff match against Maziya S&RC of the Maldives, set to be played away on August 12. The Kuwaiti side is determined to progress to the group stage of the newly introduced competition. Al-Arabi will also face Baniyas Club of the UAE in a second friendly on August 6 before traveling to the Maldives on August 8 to conclude their preparations. The club has now completed its roster of foreign signings, which includes Congolese-Belgian forward Julien Ngoy, French-Guinean midfielder Hassimi Fadiga, Ugandan defender Kenneth Ssemakula, and Nigerian duo Anayo Iwuala and Christopher John. Portuguese head coach Marco Alves is expected to use today's match to assess his squad depth, with a particular focus on integrating the foreign players and gauging their match readiness. Additionally, playing in humid conditions is part of the team's strategy to acclimatize ahead of the Maldives trip, where high humidity is a consistent environmental factor. Assistant coach Ahmad Hael expressed satisfaction with the camp's progress, noting that the players have shown strong commitment and are strictly adhering to the guidance of the coaching and administrative teams. Hael emphasized that Al-Arabi's ambition is not only to advance in the AFC Challenge League but also to compete for silverware across all domestic and regional competitions in the upcoming season.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Doors remain open for Faisal Halim case if new leads emerge, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR: The investigation into the acid attack on national footballer Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim could be reopened if new developments arise in future. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) had found no evidence at present to warrant further action. "Based on the A-GC's feedback, an investigation paper was opened by the police regarding the acid attack in Kota Damansara. "The A-GC has reviewed the case based on the information and documents provided, but found that there is currently insufficient evidence to support any further legal action. "However, unlike civil cases, criminal cases are not bound by a statute of limitations. Therefore, should new evidence come to light, the case may still be reopened for further investigation and review," she said in a written parliamentary reply. She was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN–Alor Star), who sought clarification on the A-GC's decision to classify the investigation as "No Further Action" (NFA). On May 5 last year, Faisal, the top scorer at the 2023 Asian Cup, reportedly sustained fourth-degree burns after an unidentified individual splashed acid on him. As a result, the footballer, affectionately known as "Mickey", underwent multiple surgeries. Faisal's legal team from Messrs. Mohd Ashraf, Nik Zarith & Co had previously announced plans to appeal to the A-G for the case to be reviewed and reopened following the police's decision to close the investigation.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Sport
- Business Standard
India football coach announcement on Aug 1; here are top contenders
Indian football is poised for a crucial turning point as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) prepares to announce its new men's head coach on August 1, 2025. This high-stakes decision comes at a time when the national team is searching for a revival after recent setbacks and sliding rankings. With major Asian qualifiers around the corner and fans eager for fresh direction, the appointment has drawn attention not just for the names involved but for what it could mean for the immediate future of Indian football. The AIFF's executive committee is set to make a call from a shortlist featuring both established local faces and experienced international names, reflecting a spirited search for leadership that blends technical acumen with cultural understanding. Who will lead Indian football? The AIFF's executive committee is meeting on August 1 with a single focus: appointing the next head coach for the men's senior national team. The decision comes after Spaniard Manolo Marquez parted ways with the team following a disappointing campaign and a drop to 132 in the FIFA rankings. With time ticking toward the September FIFA international window and crucial Asian Cup qualifiers in October, the need for stability and inspiration at the helm has never felt more urgent. The front-runners: Homegrown talent and familiar faces Topping the official shortlist is Khalid Jamil, the Jamshedpur FC coach widely regarded for his historic I-League title win with Aizawl FC and his deep connections with Indian football at every level. Jamil, named AIFF Coach of the Year for two consecutive seasons, is known for his pragmatic approach and an ability to maximise results under tight budgets. His understanding of local players and the broader Indian football ecosystem is seen as a major asset, especially at a time when the AIFF faces financial constraints—making his appointment a practical, yet ambitious, choice. Stephen Constantine, another strong candidate, brings significant international pedigree and a deep sense of familiarity, having led India in two separate stints, guiding them to AFC Asian Cup qualification and SAFF Championships. Constantine's calm authority and experience navigating South Asian football's unique challenges could offer much-needed continuity and confidence as India prepares for a rebuilding phase. The third name under serious consideration is Stefan Tarkovic, former Slovakia and Kyrgyzstan national coach, rounding out a shortlist that balances homegrown promise with global experience. Tarkovic's international exposure and track record in Asian football add intrigue, though he is perceived as more of a wildcard compared to Jamil and Constantine. What's at stake: Beyond a name This coaching appointment is not just about who stands on the touchline. The AIFF has made it clear that building synergy with local players, understanding Indian football's unique challenges, and managing relationships with the media, stakeholders, and fans are all critical factors in their decision. With the national team currently struggling and key qualifiers on the horizon, the new coach will need to blend tactical innovation with a strong local connection, and hit the ground running. The road ahead India's football faithful now wait with bated breath as August 1 approaches. Whether the AIFF chooses the steady hand of a proven local in Jamil, the international know-how of Constantine, or takes a calculated gamble with Tarkovic, its decision will shape not just immediate fortunes but also set the tone for a new era in Indian football. One thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher, and the opportunity for real transformation is firmly within reach.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
India to play in CAFA Nations Cup — Full schedule; Iran, Tajikistan among opponents
India will play in the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup, replacing Malaysia, which withdrew from the tournament citing logistical challenges. 'Malaysia's participation had been confirmed well in advance, with full awareness of the tournament dates (29.08. - 08.09.2025) and schedule, and those dates have never been changed from the beginning,' the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) said in a statement. 'Unfortunately, this late withdrawal has caused certain disruptions to the ongoing organisational processes, particularly given the advanced stage of planning and preparations.' As a result, the Blue Tigers have replaced Harimau Malaya, and the tournament will mark their first under a new coach, following Manolo Marquez's departure earlier this month by mutual consent. At the Nations Cup, India will be drawn alongside Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. The team will have a chance to earn significant ranking points if it can pull off upsets against Iran — the defending champion — and Tajikistan, a 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinalist. The top two teams from each group will progress to the play-off stage, with two matches scheduled for September 8. The third-place match will be contested by the two group runners-up in Dushanbe, while the final, between the group winners, will take place in Tashkent. CAFA Nations Cup 2025 tentative schedule: India vs Tajikistan — August 29 India vs Iran — September 1 India vs Afghanistan — September 4 Indian football has been adrift since its group-stage exit at the 2024 Asian Cup — a run that saw the team change head coaches from Igor Stimac to Manolo Marquez, yet go winless in competitive matches for 16 months. Now ranked 133rd, its lowest position in nearly a decade, the men's team is hoping for a course correction under a new coach, expected to be appointed on August 1 from a shortlist that includes Khalid Jamil, Stephen Constantine, and Stefan Tarkovic.
