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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life." Previous Next
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. View this post on Instagram At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
EPL legends share their views with Timesport
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Manchester United stars Dimitar Berbatov, Ryan Giggs and Chelsea icon John Terry share their thoughts with the Malaysian media after playing in the Zurich Liga 7x7 All Stars tournament at the KLFA Stadium on Saturday. Berbatov, Giggs and Terry led their respective sides in a friendly yet competitive showcase of global and local talent. Terry captained the Bangsa Bola team to a 6-2 victory over the Wizards, a team led by Giggs, in the Zurich Liga 7x7 final. Former Selangor forward Sean Selvaraj stole the show with four goals, while Mahali Jasuli and Negri Sembilan's Sebastian Avanzini added one each. The Wizards featured Malaysian legends Indra Putra Mahayuddin, R. Kogileswaran and women's national player Intan Serah. Berbatov's Zurich team finished third after edging Safee Sali's Harimau side in the playoff. Bulgarian Berbatov believes Southeast Asian players have the potential to shine on the global stage. "I wish you guys and the young players to go abroad and play in the big European clubs. It's going to be good for you and your country. You can promote your country and make your country famous too," he said. As for what makes a great footballer, Berbatov said one needs to have the inner drive and mental resilience to succeed. "To become a good player, you need ambition, concentration, and stubbornness to get through difficult times." Asked who will win the Premier League this season, Berbatov said: "I want to say United, or Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur), because I used to play for them. But it's going to be difficult. Liverpool are a big contender. Man City, of course, for sure. Many big teams will compete for the title. But who will win it? Honestly, I don't know." Meanwhile, Terry was proud of his former club, Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup in the United States recently. "It's good to go and win the Club World Cup over in America. It bodes well for the season," said the former England captain. "As a Chelsea ex-player and Chelsea fan, it's an exciting time to be a Chelsea fan." Giggs, who spent his entire career at Old Trafford, believes that United must return to their attacking roots and recruit wisely to regain their former dominance. "United are traditionally an attacking team. I think that's where we've fallen short over the last few years, just relying on Bruno Fernandes' goals," he said. "We've had goal scorers, but everyone needs to score goals within the team when we've been successful. "It's exciting times. We still need maybe four or five more signings, but we'll have to wait and see. I expect more goals next year and an exciting player as well," he said.
