FAM IN A QUANDARY

Tunku Ismail fears sabotage, security issues should Malaysia play in Pyongyang

THE threat of sabotage is real should the national team travel to Pyongyang to play North Korea in an Asian Cup qualifying match on June 8.

FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said he has been advised that the situation in North Korea is far from conducive for visitors.

“I have been informed by several coaches who have been there before that the situation there is very bad,” said Tunku Ismail in a statement yesterday.

“I am most concerned about security guarantees, accommodation and food safety.

“One piece of information I received said that we take and prepare our own food to avoid the possibility of sabotage.

“Another matter of concern is refereeing should the decisions go against North Korea and I am sure the safety of the match officials will be compromised.”

The Asian Football Confederation on Monday said the Group B match, which had originally been scheduled for Mar 28, can go ahead on June 8 in Pyongyang.

However, FAM appealed AFC’s decision on Tuesday citing the “security situation in the region” as a reason.

The tie was earlier postponed due to rising diplomatic tension between Malaysia and North Korea following the assassination of Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged elder half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, at the KLIA 2 in February.

Tunku Ismail said FAM will defer to government advise in deciding whether or not the national team should make the trip.

“As FAM president, I do not agree at all that we should go to North Korea but the decision lies with the government and the sports minister,” added Tunku Ismail.

“My priority is the safety of Malaysian citizens.

“We should make a decision which places the safety of Malaysians as the main agenda and not based on the political situation.”

Should FAM decide not to go Pyongyang, Tunku Ismail warned of the consequences of making such a unilateral decision to boycott the game.

While agreeing that the security and safety of the national team are of paramount importance, Tunku Ismail said Malaysia could be expelled from the qualifying tournament by AFC if FAM did not honour the fixture.

“If FAM do not allow the national team to go to Pyongyang, North Korea will be awarded a default 3-0 win,” he said.

“In addition, we will be fined US$50,000 (RM225,000) and expelled from the tournament.

“More worryingly is that we might be barred from future AFC tournaments.

“The question is what should we do?

“I really want this match to be played at a neutral venue for the safety of our players.”