New goalie helps Penang beat UITM in Premier League

Debutant goalkeeper Khairul Amri Sallehuddin will retain his starting place for Penang after winning praises in the Panthers’ 1-0 Premier League win over UiTM FC.

The 24-year-old Khairul, Perak’s second choice custodian last year, was making his first appearance in the Panthers’ starting 11 in place of the out-of-favour G. Jeevananthan.

Jeeva, the former Selangor and Armed Forces goalkeeper, received plenty of flak from fans over his performance in the 5-1 thrashing by Police a fortnight ago.

Khairul put in a solid shift against the university team at the City Stadium on Friday, and delivered a clean sheet for Penang.

“I will keep faith with Khairul for our next match against Perlis on Monday. He was confident between the posts and did enough to convince me that he deserves his starting place,” said Penang coach K. Devan.

“I made several changes, especially in defence, to face UiTM. There was a marked improvement in the performance but we still lived dangerously in the second half, after failing to get the second goal to kill off the tie. I will likely maintain this winning line-up for our next game.”

South Korean midfielder Lee Kil-hoon scored the only goal of the match from a freekick in the 11th minute. The win helped the islanders move up to fifth with six points from three games and, more importantly, get over the demoralising defeat against Police.

“I consider our heavy loss against Police as a one-off bad performance. It is not fair to single out one or two players for criticism as the entire team played badly that day.

“By bouncing back against UiTM, we put the defeat behind us and restored the team’s confidence. This win is for the fans and the FAP (Football Association of Penang), who gave us full support when we were down,” said Devan.

Besides Khairul, another player who featured the full 90 minutes for the first time was Angolan forward Titi Buengo.

Although the towering striker failed to score, Devan was happy with Buengo’s contribution.

“I did not start Titi before this as he was not match fit when he joined us. He was brilliant against UiTM, especially in the first half. He looked tired in the final 20 minutes but I’m confident he’ll get better with more matches under his belt.”

For UiTM, the first defeat in three matches leaves them in seventh spot on four points. They are now five points behind leaders Police, who maintained their 100% start to the season with a 1-0 home win over Sabah.

Sabah are one of three teams, together with DRB-Hicom and Perlis, without any points after three rounds of Premier League matches.

Police beat Sabah to remain top of Premier League

Police remain top of the Premier League after left-back Sabre Mat Abu scored the only goal of the match three minutes after the break in a 1-0 win over Sabah at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.

Negri Sembilan moved into second place after beating Felda United 2-1 in Paroi thanks to goals by Jean-Emmanuel Owona with a free-kick in the 21st minute and S. Sivanesan (32nd) while Indra Putra Mahayuddin replied for Felda in the 68th.

Pahang move into joint top place in Premier League

Pahang caught up with Premier  League leaders Armed Forces (ATM) when they defeated club side Betaria of Negeri Sembilan 2-0 at the Temerloh Stadium Friday night.

The two teams now are sharing 26 points a piece, Pahang with an inferior goal difference, after 12 rounds of matches.

Azamuddin Mohd Akil scored the first goal in the 48th minute followed by  Mohd Azuan in the 77th minute.

ATM on the other hand were only able to carve out a 2-2 draw against Police at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.

Sports Minister wants players educated on the dangers of match fixing

Low wages should not be a factor for football players to be involved in match-fixing or bribery which has continued to tarnish the image of football in the country.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim said no reason should be accepted for players involvement in match fixing or bribery and efforts must be taken by those involved, especially the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to educate the players on the dangers of their involvement in such activities.

"If there are claims that low wages was a reason for players to be involved in bribery, I beg to differ because even highly paid players in teams like Juventus in Italy were said to be involved in match-fixing.

Police detain Johor FA official on match fixing allegations

Johor police detained a Johor Football Association (Johor FA) official two days ago in connection with the recent match-fixing scandal involving football bookies in the state.

Johor CID Chief Datuk Amer Awal said the official, a woman, would be remanded for five days to facilitate investigations.

"We received a tip off from another Johor FA official on Sunday that a woman official was connected to bookies and involved in match fixing.

"The official is said to be a friend of a police officer in Johor and investigations will be conducted under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) act," he said in a statement here Wednesday.

Malaysian league teams to play friendly matches against Indonesian teams

A series of friendly games to increase the rapport between Malaysian and Indonesian football teams will kick off on Sunday when Malaysia Cup champions Negri Sembilan hosts Persebaya at the Paroi Stadium.

Indonesian Premier League club Persebaya, who have already played Malaysian opposition once this season, beating Super League champions Kelantan 4-3 on aggregate in December, will host the return leg in Surabaya on May 2.

Besides Negri and Persebaya, other matches will involve Perak against Semen Padang on April 22 in Ipoh and May 1 in Padang and between FA Cup winners Terengganu and PSM Makassar on June 10 in Kuala Terengganu and July 18 in Makassar.

Organisers Broadway Media are also planning to have Selangor play Arema while Kelantan have also been pencilled in for another match against an opposition to be determined.

The sixth match-up in the series will involve either Sabah, Sarawak or one of the four clubs in the Super League -- Johor FC, T-Team, Felda United and PKNS.

Broadway Media executive chairman Datuk Syed Ahmad Khalid said the series is intended to revive domestic football in Malaysia by getting fans to fill  venues when the Indonesian teams come to visit.

"Matches between Malaysian and Indonesian teams always arouse passions and it is not necessary for just English teams to come here to fill up stadiums. We believe that fans want to watch their teams take on Indonesian sides and they will be out in full force," said Syed Ahmad in a recent visit to Balai Berita to announce the planned matches.

"For now we have two ties involving Negri Sembilan and Perak confirmed and while the Terengganu and Selangor matches will be confirmed in due course."

Syed Ahmad added that Broadway Media aim to broadcast all the matches live on Astro Bintang's Channel 141.

"We hope that through this series it will help raise the profile of Malaysian domestic football. A number of teams have expressed interest in playing in this series and we hope to finalise the remaining matches soon," he said.

Armed Forces draw with MP Muar but regain lead in Premier League

Armed  Forces (ATM) remained in the lead of the Premier League although they only managed a 2-2 draw against MP Muar at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar Friday.

Coach B. Sathianathan's soldiers are with 22 points after today's match, two  points more than nearest challengers Pahang.

At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi, Police played to a 1-1 draw against  Sime Darby with Patrick Ronaldinho putting Sime Darby ahead in the 2nd minute.

Elsewhere, USM FC edged Johor 2-1 at USM's Athletics Stadium in Penang,  NS Betaria edged Harimau Muda B 3-2 at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka (afternoon match) while at the Selayang Stadium, Pos Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw by Pahang.

FAM wants FIFA official to apologize for match-fixing allegations

The Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) Deputy President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah urged FIFA, the world governing body for football, to apologize for the baseless accusation by its former head of security Chris Eaton with regard to match-fixing in Malaysia.

Eaton had claimed in a report published by a Singapore daily on Feb 16, that several FAM officials were directly involved in match-fixing, in the Malaysian League.

Tengku Abdullah deemed Eaton's claims as baseless and unethical because he (Eaton) had failed to substantiate his comments clearly and with evidence.

"He has gone overboard with his unethical statement. I do not know if there is a hidden agenda but FIFA must explain if there is no evidence in such a claim.

"FIFA must also take action for issuing such a damaging statement," he told reporters after visiting several venues for the SUKMA XV here today, adding that such a statement can tarnish the image of FAM and the reputation of the country.

The match-fixing crisis in Malaysia has been on the rise with several unprecedented cases emerging in recent times, especially when Johor FC suspended six President's Cup players for match-fixing, after FAM handed out severe punishment to 11 President Cup players from Negeri Sembilan last month.

Subsequently, the FAM held a closed door meeting, chaired by FAM Examination, Monitoring and Transparency Committee chairman, Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat, to seek an explanation from Eaton on his claim that FAM officials were involved in the match-fixing scandal.

It was also attended by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's director of Intelligence, Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil and a representative from the Royal Malaysian Police.

Eaton, who was accompanied by FIFA investigation officer Terry Steans and FIFA head of Security for Asia, Michael Pride also informed FAM that he had left the world football governing body to join an agency in Qatar.

Pahang move into top of table in Premier League

Pahang went top of the  Premier League after beating MP Muar 5-1 in a match at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Temerloh Friday night.

The win pushed Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) down to second in the standing.
In another match, NS Betaria beat Johor MBJB 3-2 at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, Muar.

Table proppers Perlis only managed one point after drawing 3-3 with Johor at Stadium Utama Negeri, Kangar.

Sime Darby drew 1-1 with Pos Malaysia in a match at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang.

FAM planning strategy to fight match-fixing problems

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) will put in place a mechanism that would require everyone in connection with football to declare their assets.

The move comes as the spectre of match-fixing haunts Malaysian football with Johor FC the latest to suspend six President's Cup players.

In response to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) suggestion that footballers, officials and family members declare their assets, FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said the measures are being put in place.

"We are formulating the mechanism and once it's ready, the draft will be presented to the vetting, transparency and monitoring committee headed by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.

"They will deliberate on the matter and forward a report to the executive committee for approval," said Azzuddin yesterday.

On Tuesday, the New Straits Times reported MACC deputy chief commissioner (prevention) Datuk Sutinah Sutan as saying that periodical asset declarations would help deter and detect graft among footballers and officials.

Corruption among officials became an issue after Fifa head of security Chris Eaton told Singapore's Straits Times that an investigation had linked Malaysian football administrators to match-fixing in Southeast Asia.

FAM has strongly rejected Eaton's claims but welcomed MACC's suggestion of asset declarations by players, coaches, referees and officials.

Azzuddin, though, was unable to say when the mechanism would be put in place though he hoped it would be soon.

"We hope to get it done as soon as possible. We are supportive of MACC's suggestions though we have not discussed it with them," he added.

Meanwhile, Felda United's Hardi Jaafar and Firdaus Fauzi have been banned for five games and fined RM5,000 each by FAM's disciplinary committee after a five-hour hearing on Monday.

The two players were found guilty of encroaching into the spectators area following a contentious Super League match against Negri Sembilan at the Paroi Stadium on Jan 21.

They had faced a maximum season-long suspension and a fine of RM25,000 but escaped a charge of intentionally seeking to confront fans.

The incident was sparked by a Negri fan throwing a bottle at Felda goalkeeper Hamsani Ahmad as he was walking off the pitch after the game was won 1-0 by Negri. Three red cards were flashed, including one to Hardi after the final whistle.

Police tracking on illegal football bookies in Johor

The Johor police are closing in on several illegal football bookies who are believed to be connected to a major international syndicate and expected to apprehend them soon, Johor police chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said.

He expressed confidence that police would be able to complete its investigation soon based on the information obtained by the special investigation team which was set up to probe into the case.

"I was told by the Johor CID that they have obtain additional pieces of information.

"We are targeting a major network, a 'big fish' network of bookies," he told reporters after attending an appreciation ceremony for the police Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) team and state traffic contingent, here today.

He was responding to reporters queries on the latest development concerning the case involving six Johor FC President's Cup players who have been slapped with immediate suspension after the club found elements of match fixing during the match against Perlis at the Pasir Gudang Stadium on Feb 16.

FIFA official Eaton to clarify statement about match-fixing

FIFA head of security Chris Eaton has an appointment with the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in Kuala Lumpur next month.

FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad confirmed that Eaton would be in town on March 5 to clarify his statement to a Singapore daily that FAM officials were involved in match-fixing.

“We received an email from Eaton today with regards to his appointment with the FAM on March 5. He is also seeking an appointment with the Youth and Sports Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek),” said Azzuddin yesterday.

FAM are upset with Eaton for speaking to the press last May despite FIFA’s decision to communicate all matters pertaining to match-fixing with the respective national associations.

Eaton, who described Malaysia and Singapore as centres of interest for match-fixing, had also revealed that one of the Singapore Lions XII matches in the Super League was fixed.

Earlier this month, the FAM suspended 11 youth players from the President’s Cup (national Under-20 league) and banned a coach for life for match-fixing. FAM later revealed that they had more leads into match-fixing, with three M-League teams still under investigation.

Eaton had told FAM during his visit to Wisma FAM last May that several Malaysians were involved in match-fixing scandals in Germany, Finland and Singapore and that investigations pointed to a significant bookie connection in Kuala Lumpur.

At the same time, FAM were cleared of any wrongdoing by FIFA in their probe into a suspected global network in match-fixing.

Since then, FAM have stepped up their efforts to eradicate the menace by setting up a vetting, monitoring and transparency committee headed by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.

FAM wants FIFA official to explain his statement about match-fixing

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has given Fifa's head of security Chris Eaton five days to give a detailed explanation of his statement in Singapore's Straits Times last week that implicated local football administrators to match-fixing in Southeast Asia.

FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said: "If we fail to get a reply, we will correspond directly with Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke.

"We sent him (Eaton) a letter on Feb 16, requesting for an explanation. We are giving him another five days."

FAM is upset with Eaton's actions for choosing to reveal the information to a newspaper when it had been previously agreed that Fifa would communicate with the national body on matters pertaining to match-fixing.

Eaton was also quoted in Singapore's Today on Feb 17 as saying that Malaysia and Singapore were centres of interest for match-fixing.

"We have received several allegations (of match-fixing), both discreet and public, that seem to implicate key people in both these countries. I will respond to FAM soon," Eaton, a former Interpol officer told the newspaper,

Eaton, however, has resigned from his post and is joining Qatar-based International Centre for Sport Security in May. 

"We (Fifa and FAM) have already established a line of communication whereby they (Fifa) must come to us if they have any information on match-fixing in Malaysia," said Azzuddin.

"But he (Eaton) has not told us anything nor has he shown any proof. An allegation of such nature requires proof or leads which can help us tackle the issue."

FAM, the Royal Malaysian Police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have begun investigations on alleged match-fixing in this season's M-League.

The national body revealed recently that three senior teams were being investigated.

Penang to hold selection trials for Under-19 players

The Football Association of Penang (FAP) will be holding selection trials to select under-19 players to play for the state this season at the Padang Sony, Seberang Jaya, near here beginning this Friday.

FAP administrative officer Hamzah Mohd Ismail said the selection was to give an opportunity to Penang-born players who have potentials and are interested in football to represent the state.

"The selection would be open to those who were born in and after 1993," he said in a statement here Monday.

Hamzah said those interested could come to the field from 4pm until 6pm.

Artificial football pitches to be build in all states

The Youth and Sports Ministry hopes to build at least one synthetic (artificial turf) football pitch in every state, starting this year, said its Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek here Monday.

Ahmad Shabery said the first of such pitches, estimated to cost RM1 million each and build according to specifications set by FIFA, would be build in Sarawak this year.

"We will build the first one as a model pitch here before identifying suitable sites for other states," he told reporters after visiting the Sarawak Aquatics Excellence Centre situated at the Youth and Sports Complex here Monday.

He said the proposal for building the stadium had already been discussed with Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud during a meting.

"Though the cost of building the stadium will be high, it will save cost of maintenance in the long run because the synthetic turf has a shelf life of 10 years and easier to maintain," he said.

Sports Ministry and FAM to discuss about match fixing problems

The Youth  and Sports Ministry will hold a meeting with the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) Inspection, Monitoring and Transparency Committee on issue of corruption in football, which has reared its ugly head again.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the meeting to be held next week, also aimed at obtaining information regarding actions that have been taken by the committee especially in identifying the causes.

"I think the action taken by FAM on players and officials found guilty (of corruption), was positive. The next step is to ask the players to declare their assets and I feel this can be an extremely positive move.

"But this is not enough because the important thing is to educate the players and officials. This corruption comes from a sense of greed," he told reporters here today.

Ahmad Shabery said he hoped that the committee could identify all possibilities that led to corruption, including on football associations ability to pay the players salaries on time.

Armed Forces beaten by Perak in Premier League

Perak edged Armed Forces (ATM) 1-0 before 10,000 home fans in a FA Cup tie at the Perak Stadium here Friday night.

The winning goal was scored just three minutes after the starting whistle with Perak's import player Michal Kubala putting the ball in the net from a free kick just outside the box.

In the 18th minute, coach B. Sathianathan's "soldiers" had a chance to pull level but Zakuan Adha Abdul Razak's piledriver was palmed off by Perak's goakeeper Nasril Nourdin.

Both teams had their fare share of getting goals thereafter but the score stood till the final whistle.

FAM seek clarification from FIFA over match fixing allegations

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) have written to FIFA head of security Chris Eaton to verify his statement in a Singapore daily yesterday, which reported that FAM officials were involved in match-fixing.

Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, the FAM general secretary, said they viewed the matter seriously and were surprised by the press statement.

“We in FAM are shocked by the report and have asked Eaton to clarify his statement and to provide us with evidences if there were any basis in his allegations against our officials,” said Azzuddin yesterday.

“It is quite damaging to point at our FAM officials … because it can imply our president or the deputy president. It is not appropriate. It is sad. We are doing our best to curb match-fixing in the country,” said a disappointed Azzuddin.

Eaton, in his statement, had also revealed that one of the Singapore Lions XII matches in the Super League was fixed.

Last week, the FAM suspended 11 youth players from the President Cup (national Under-20 league) and banned a coach for life for fixing matches. On Monday, FAM revealed that they had more leads into match-fixing with three M-League teams currently under investigation.

Last May, Eaton had told FAM during his visit to Wisma FAM that several Malaysians were involved in match-fixing scandals in Germany, Finland and Singapore and that investigations pointed to a significant bookie connection in Kuala Lumpur.

At the same time, FAM were cleared of any wrongdoing by FIFA in their probe into a suspected global network in match-fixing. Eaton, a former Interpol officer, ruled out any foul play in the FAM’s involvement in a friendly international matches against a visiting Zimbabwe side in 2009.

Since then, FAM had stepped up their efforts to eradicate match-fixing by setting up a vetting, monitoring and transparency committee headed by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.

FAM to require players and officials to declare assets to overcome match fixing

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are expected to introduce a system that requires players to declare their assets as a means to curb the match fixing scandal that has returned to haunt Malaysian football.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said all players and officials would be required to declare their assets once the system was introduced and once enforced, everyone must adhere to the requirement.

"All are aware that FAM had actually formed the Vetting, Monitoring and Transparency committee. The committee has representation from the police and the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC).

"The committee was set up to check on the payment of salary to players and other relevant matters while this is another step to curb match fixing and bribery in football," he said when interviewed on Bernama Radio24's 'Dalam Radar' programme.

Malaysian football was recently rocked by news that players from a number of teams, including the Negeri Sembilan President's Cup squad were involved in a match fixing scandal, raising fears the match fixing and bribery scandal that had tainted Malaysian football in 1994, 1995 has returned.

Only one Johor team may play in Malaysian league next season

Johor may send only one team to play in the M-League competition next season, said Johor Football Association President Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who is also the Tengku Mahkota of Johor.

Tunku Ismail who was officially appointed to the post during the Johor FA's Extra-ordinary General Meeting today had taken over from state exco for Youth and Sports, Jais Sarday.

 "I do not understand why we need to divide our strength. We must actually pool our resources to strengthen one team only," he told reporters here Thursday.

Johor currently has four representatives in the M-League with Johor FC playing in the Super League, Johor, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Baharu FC and Majlis Perbandaran Muar playing in the Premier League.

Tunku Ismail, a footballer himself said, the financial status of the association can also be strengthened with just a single team playing in the competition.