ARROGANCE RUINING MALAYSIAN FOOTBALL

Tunku Ismail claims big-headed senior players a bad influence to others

AZLAN MUHAMMAD ZAIN AND MOHD FITRIE MUHAMAD nstsport@mediaprima.com.my

THE attitude of certain senior players who think they are bigger than the national team is a ‘virus’ to Malaysian football. So much so, it can spoil the quality of play and badly affect the team.

FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim pointed out that football in the country is not exempt from such negative attitude.

“All teams face the same issue. No matter how many promising players we have coming through the ranks, when they join the senior squad, be it at club level or for the country, they can end up being influenced by such group or individuals (senior players).

“There is no point even if we bring in Carlo Ancelotti, as if there are seven or eight senior players who rebel, then the rest will follow suit,” he said after chairing a FAM Exco meeting yesterday.

Tunku Ismail stressed that to overcome such a problem, it is not just FAM that have to deal with it, but it should be a collaborative effort with state associations and clubs.

Tunku Ismail said the problems about players’ attitudes should be addressed immediately, and if they are taken lightly, it can do serious damage to football in the country including affecting the national team.

“Such players already exist in the system. It is also the duty of state teams and clubs to identify and control such problems from the very beginning,” he said.

Tunku Ismail explained that what is happening now is the result of the previous system and management.

“This is the problem with our football. We have been ‘asleep’ since 10 years ago when our neighbours Thailand had already taken their first steps.”