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The Star
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Brendan goes back to where his career started Down Under
Brendan Gan in action for Kuala Lumpur. - Photo by Kuala Lumpur City FC PETALING JAYA: After more than a decade in Malaysia and a career defined by triumphs, trials, and tenacity, Brendan Gan returns to his first ever professional club. The former Selangor captain and Malaysian international has signed with Sutherland Sharks, the ground where he first made his professional debut as a 17-year-old in 2008. "We're beyond excited to welcome Brendan Gan back to where it all began," the club said in a statement. "His story is one of grit, elite mentality, and sheer football IQ." Brendan's football journey has been as inspiring as it has been globe-spanning. After rising through the ranks in Australia's National Premier Leagues (NPL), he went on to feature in the A-League with Sydney FC before carving out a commanding presence in South-East Asia. His time in Malaysia saw him don the coluors of Kuala Lumpur, Kelantan, Perak and most notably Selangor, where he wore the armband with pride and made 37 appearances for the Malaysian national team. But it wasn't just the silverware and caps that defined him. Brendan's public battle with cancer and remarkable comeback in 2022 turned him into more than just a footballer, he became a symbol of resilience. "Brendan has seen it all, titles, setbacks, cancer, comebacks, captaincy. "He brings unmatched experience, composure under pressure, and a drive to inspire the next generation in blue." Now wearing the 88 jersey, Brendan is set to play a pivotal role in the club's 2025 campaign, not just as a midfield anchor but as a mentor to younger players and a leader both on and off the pitch.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Omid's promotion adds pace to Selangor's frontline
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor have promoted Afghanistan striker Omid Musawi from their Under-23 squad as they look to strengthen their frontline for the new M-League season. The 24-year-old, known for his pace, joined the Red Giants' U-23 side in October last year and is now eager to make his mark with the senior team. "Since arriving last year, I felt right at home," said Omid in a statement. "Selangor are a professional, development-focused club, and I'm proud to now be part of the senior team. This is a great opportunity for me to grow, not just as a player but as a person." "My aim is to play as much as I can, give my all, and help the team succeed." Born in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, and raised in the Netherlands, Omid began his career in the youth ranks of AGOVV Apeldoorn before moving to FC Twente's academy in 2011. He went on to score 10 goals and provide three assists in 31 matches with Twente's youth squad and also featured for their reserve side. His development continued with stints in the youth setups of Vitesse and PEC Zwolle, later earning promotion to the senior squads of both Dutch clubs. Omid's professional breakthrough came in Australia with Para Hills Knights SC, where he made 26 appearances, including in the National Premier Leagues South Australia. He made his senior international debut for Afghanistan in a friendly against Vietnam on June 1, 2022, and has since earned nine caps. Selangor have also signed Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes and Thai international midfielder Picha Autra. The club are reportedly close to finalising a deal for former Kedah and Chonburi forward Willian Lira.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Match called off as police probe alleged approaches to players
Police are investigating allegations that players at a former A-League club were approached by representatives of a Chinese company to manipulate betting outcomes after a match was dramatically abandoned just hours before it was due to begin. The probe involves former A-League team Gold Coast United, whose latest game in the semi-professional National Premier Leagues Queensland on Wednesday night was abruptly called off on match day after an intervention by Football Australia (FA), who have also reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia. 'Football Australia is aware of an alleged integrity issue in Queensland,' a spokesperson for FA said. 'Football Australia has reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia and the Queensland Police for investigation and, accordingly, won't be providing any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.' Gold Coast United's men's team were scheduled to take on Brisbane side Moreton City Excelsior in a second-versus-third match in the state's top-tier competition, but football authorities intervened and postponed it. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity for legal reasons, officials were made aware of alleged approaches to players by representatives of a Chinese company. It was not clear whether they encouraged players to lose matches, give away yellow cards or perform other on-field actions for betting purposes. Players were said to have rebuffed the advances. Gold Coast United chairman Andrew Parkes confirmed the club had been advised that the game would not go ahead on Wednesday but said he had no further information.
The Age
26-06-2025
- Sport
- The Age
Match called off as police probe alleged approaches to players
Police are investigating allegations that players at a former A-League club were approached by representatives of a Chinese company to manipulate betting outcomes after a match was dramatically abandoned just hours before it was due to begin. The probe involves former A-League team Gold Coast United, whose latest game in the semi-professional National Premier Leagues Queensland on Wednesday night was abruptly called off on match day after an intervention by Football Australia (FA), who have also reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia. 'Football Australia is aware of an alleged integrity issue in Queensland,' a spokesperson for FA said. 'Football Australia has reported the matter to Sport Integrity Australia and the Queensland Police for investigation and, accordingly, won't be providing any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.' Gold Coast United's men's team were scheduled to take on Brisbane side Moreton City Excelsior in a second-versus-third match in the state's top-tier competition, but football authorities intervened and postponed it. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity for legal reasons, officials were made aware of alleged approaches to players by representatives of a Chinese company. It was not clear whether they encouraged players to lose matches, give away yellow cards or perform other on-field actions for betting purposes. Players were said to have rebuffed the advances. Gold Coast United chairman Andrew Parkes confirmed the club had been advised that the game would not go ahead on Wednesday but said he had no further information.
Perth Now
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Balcatta Etna FC kicks off new era
A new era for Balcatta Etna Football Club has kicked off with a $2.5 million upgrade to their home ground now complete. A grand opening of the new facilities at Grindleford Reserve was held this month, coinciding with a twilight clash between Balcatta Etna and Perth Soccer Club — the first played under the new 200 lux floodlights. As well as the lighting upgrade to the main field and training area, the club's amenities were refurbished as part of the project jointly funded by the City of Stirling and the State Government. Your local paper, whenever you want it. The upgrades included renovations to the kitchen, improved access to toilet facilities, more storage, and enhancements to the roof structure above the spectator area. Regarded as one of Perth's premier soccer clubs, Balcatta Etna FC is one of just four in WA to field both men's and women's teams in the National Premier Leagues. The club develops players from juniors all the way to the elite levels. President Peter Carlino said the upgrades had taken their home ground to the next level, not only for players but also for spectators. 'It's really about how it all comes together, particularly being able to play night games under lights,' Mr Carlino said. 'We now have the ability and the facilities to mix it with all the top teams.' (L-R) Balcatta MLA David Michael, City of Stirling Cr Teresa Olow, Balcatta Etna FC president Peter Carlino and City of Stirling Cr Lisa Thornton. Credit: Alex Verhagen City of Stirling mayor Mark Irwin said the city was proud to contribute $1.2m towards the facility upgrades. 'Balcatta Etna FC is part of our soccer heritage in the City of Stirling and has gone from strength to strength since it was founded almost 50 years ago,' Mr Irwin said. 'It's fantastic to see a successful community club get the first-rate facilities it deserves, from the new lighting to the renovated clubrooms.' The remaining $1.3m for the project came from the State Government, including $300,000 from the Women's World Cup legacy grants which supported improvements to female changerooms, player shelters and the grandstand. Balcatta MLA David Michael said the upgrades had been a long time coming. 'Grindleford Reserve is a vibrant community hub for Balcatta and the surrounding areas, but it's been in need of upgrades for some time now with the original clubrooms built back in the 1990s,' he said. 'With more people getting out and joining clubs like Balcatta Etna Football Club, these upgrades are really important in helping to support growth in participation from juniors right up to our veterans.'
