KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) action to forbid state affiliates from criticising, voicing their concern on football related matters and the national association, can result in the loss of ‘friends’ who are sincere in efforts to develop football in the country.
National Sports critic Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim said Article 88 of the FAM constitution prevents anyone, including coaches and players from criticising the governing body, a result that has since raised the ire of football fans in the country.
“FAM must be more open and accept constructive criticism that will help the development of football rather than just handing out punishment. One day, everyone will be fed-up with FAM’s action.
“The FAM must be more concerned with the national team’s drop in performance of late rather than busy handing out punishment to affiliates,” he told Bernama when contacted here, yesterday.
Perlis Football Association (Perlis FA) President Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim became the latest victim of FAM’s 2010-2014 Article 88 Statute when he was handed a 30-month suspension and RM39,000 fine for raising his FA’s concern.
Last year, FAM Deputy President and Kelantan FA President Tan Sri Annuar Musa suffered a similar fate for a similar ‘offence’.
In the past, two FAM vice presidents, Datuk Seri Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar and the late Datuk Ahmad Basri Akil were also punished for criticising the performance of the national team.
Meanwhile, Lekir Ahmad, a spokesman for Ultras Malaya, an independent hardcore support group of the national team said FAM’s action to punish state affiliates or individuals who voiced their concern will only result in more football fans distancing themselves from the FAM.
“FAM has been the subject of hatred among fans for sometime now because the governing body does not respect or listen to the views and suggestions of fans although football belongs to the people and not owned by the FAM,” he said.
Lekir said the group also support the brave action of Johor Football Association President, Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim who criticised the quality of referees in M-League matches.
“We will wait and see the decision made by FAM. We want to see whether FAM will punish Tunku Ismail or act otherwise,” he said.
An inside source from the FAM said due to the presence of Article 88, everyone will have to refrain from speaking out against FAM even if it meant for the good of football in the country.
“We cannot go overboard in issuing statements that fall under the purview of FAM regulations…if the FAM can mete out punishment to the deputy president, what more people like us,” said the source. — Bernama