Good job ref Razlan, say FAM
Pahang's Sergio Aguero receiving a red card during the Malaysia Cup final match against JDT at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have given referee Razlan Joffri Ali the thumbs up for his role in officiating the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Pahang despite criticism from fans on Saturday.
Deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram, who is also the FAM referees committee chairman said the conclusion was made after a review.
"The Referee Evaluator's report shows that Razlan's handling of the match demonstrated good performance, which did not affect the final outcome of the match," he said.
"The FAM Referees Unit and the FAM Referees Performance Committee have also conducted a match analysis and found that the second yellow card decision (order to leave the field) given to both teams was accurate according to the FIFA Laws of the Game 2024-2025.
"The penalty decision awarded to the JDT team and the decision to cancel a JDT goal for an offside foul were both accurate," said Sivasundram.
"Each incident in the match was reviewed accurately by the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) referee, and the level of compliance with the VAR protocol was excellent."
Sivasundaram also concluded that every 'key match incident' in the match was adjudicated correctly according to FIFA's laws of the game.
"It is human nature to make mistakes, but these did not significantly affect the final outcome of the match.
"Both teams had equal opportunities to be crowned champions, and it was determined by the teams themselves. FAM are very committed to the quality of referee performance and have never compromised on referee standards."
Fans questioned some of the calls made by Razlan especially the penalty given to JDT and even Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was disappointed that VAR did not check JDT's winning goal by Arif Aiman Hanapi, alleging that he was slightly offside.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia get green light from FIFA to use 5 new heritage players
KUALA LUMPUR: After sceptical rival fans across Southeast Asian urged FIFA to investigate Malaysia for its recruitment of "heritage players", the FA of Malaysia (FAM) announced today that the world body has cleared five foreign-born players to wear Malaysia shirts. The five naturalised heritage players are Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado. This means the five footballers will be able to take the field against Vietnam in a crucial Asian Cup Group F qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight (9pm kickoff). FAM, in a social media post today, stated that Garces, Machuca, Irazabal, Figueiredo and Holgado have received Fifa approval, Malaysia aim to break their 11-year winless run against Vietnam after losing seven times and drawn once in their last eight meetings. Malaysia's last win over Vietnam was at the 2014 AFF Cup.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia Cup faces axe as organisers struggle for sponsorship
KUALA LUMPUR: While more countries are ramping up efforts to host squash tournaments ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Malaysia are sadly struggling to raise funds to stage competitions. This comes as a surprise for a nation that has produced an eight-time world champion in Datuk Nicol David, along with several top-10 players including S. Sivasangari, Low Wee Wern, Ong Beng Hee, Azlan Iskandar and Ng Eain Yow. Timesport has learnt that the Malaysia Cup, a PSA Tour Bronze-level event scheduled to take place in Damansara from Aug 17-23, may be scrapped this year unless organisers ACE Sports and Management can secure sponsorship. Squash is one of Malaysia's core sports, and with world No. 9 Sivasangari and world No. 12 Eain Yow expected to qualify for LA 28, the lack of support has raised eyebrows. Formerly known as the Malaysia Open, the Malaysia Cup was first held in 1975. ACE Sports and Management director R.A. Thiagaraja said the tournament is the season opening event for the new PSA Tour season. "We approached private companies, banks and even the government for funding, but sadly, none are keen," he said. "The Curve (venue at Mutiara Damansara) aren't charging us a cent, but passion alone is not enough to sustain sport." Thiagaraja revealed that they need RM1.5 million to run the tournament. "In 2023, we spent RM1.5 million on the event. The government only gave us RM300,000 and that was for all squash tournaments. Last year alone, it cost us RM3 million — RM1.5 million to organise and another RM1.5 million for the glass court. We didn't receive a single sen from the government." He added that over the past two years, ACE has spent RM4.5 million, not including costs for organising Satellite circuits and the World Championships Asian Qualifier. "This year, we spent RM550,000 on eight men's and women's Satellite circuits to help juniors. The Asian Qualifier alone cost nearly RM200,000. "We went through SRAM (Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia) to approach the government, but no help came." Thiagaraja stressed the importance of the Malaysia Cup in providing exposure for players such as Eain Yow, Sivasangari, Rachel Arnold, sisters Aira and Aifa Azman, Ainaa Amani, Sanjay Jeeva, C. Ameeshenraj and Yasshmita Jadish Kumar. "It inspires fans and up-and-coming players to watch their idols live. Last year, the event attracted 3.3 million TV viewers from 56 countries. "When we held the Malaysia Cup in 2023, Malaysia had 29 professionals. Today, we have over 100 pro players — a promising sign. But without a local tournament, our players lose a vital opportunity to compete at home — a major blow ahead of LA 28." He added: "Many countries have started hosting tournaments after squash was included in the Olympics. "PSA COO Tommy Berden said it would be a shame if the Malaysia Cup doesn't happen. The PSA has given us until the end of July to secure funding." In a stinging comparison, Thiagaraja noted that Singapore — despite not having world-class squash players — will stage the Singapore Open on Aug 12-16.
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel (pic), it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. 'Honestly, I'm happy to be back,' said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. 'The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play.' Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. 'It came from my grandfather's side,' said the Dutch-born player. 'From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. ''I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from.' Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. 'Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result.' Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. 'We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution.' With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. 'Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday.'
