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New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AFC says no probe into Malaysia's naturalised players
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has shut down speculation of any investigation into Malaysia over the alleged use of ineligible naturalised players during the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, firmly stating that no complaints have been received. AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul, in a brief but clear statement, said the regional body had not been alerted to any concerns following Malaysia's 4-0 win over Vietnam in Bukit Jalil — a match that featured five debutants with newly acquired Malaysian citizenship. "There has been no information submitted to the AFC on this matter," said Windsor. "Player status matters are under the purview of FIFA." His comments come amid mounting noise from Vietnam and Indonesia, where some media outlets have reported that Malaysia could face sanctions if the eligibility of the players is found to have been compromised. One Indonesian outlet claimed that Malaysia could be hit with a US$2 million (RM9.4 million) fine, future bans on naturalisation, or even the nullification of the Vietnam result, if documentation for the players is proven to be falsified. However, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has firmly denied any wrongdoing. FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman stressed that the governing body had fully complied with all international regulations. "As of today, we have not received any letters from FIFA or the AFC (regarding this matter)," said Azman. "We followed all the regulations. We deny all those statements." The five players in question — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Jon Irazabal — all made their international debuts in the match against Vietnam. Their performance played a key role in securing Malaysia's emphatic victory, but also drew scrutiny from regional rivals, particularly over their eligibility status. Despite the speculation, FAM insists all five players met the necessary criteria to represent Malaysia in official competition. Harimau Malaya currently sit top of Group F with six points, having also beaten Nepal 2-0 in their opening fixture. Under new head coach Peter Cklamovski, Malaysia are eyeing a strong finish to the campaign, with a crucial home-and-away double-header against Laos coming up in October.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Club mismanagement to blame for woes, not privatisation, says AFC sec-gen
KUALA LUMPUR: Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismisses claims that the privatisation of the M-League is a failure, insisting that the real issue lies in poor club management. Windsor believes the financial problems currently faced by several teams stem not from the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) privatisation policy introduced in 2021, but from the lack of professionalism among certain clubs. "I don't see privatisation as a failure. This is a necessary process to move forward. "It's time for clubs to learn how to meet the criteria and regulations set by the AFC. How long do we want to stay stuck in the past? "Clubs must be more proactive and learn the ins and outs of professional football management," he said. Windsor pointed out that some clubs have taken a lax approach and failed to adapt to the demands of running a professional team, despite the structural shift from state FAs to independent FCs being a step in the right direction in modern football. "Don't blame privatisation. The responsibility lies with the club management, who must be smart in handling all aspects of running a team," he said. He also stressed that AFC's regulations are in line with those of other professional leagues worldwide. "Our rules are the same as those in other leagues. So if some Malaysian clubs can comply, there's no reason others can't," he said. Windsor's remarks come in response to growing criticism from some quarters who claim that the MFL's privatisation policy has contributed to clubs facing severe financial issues. A few are reportedly considering withdrawing from next season's competition.
