FAM praise ref Razlan's 'spot-on' decisions in Malaysia Cup final
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) believe referee Razlan Joffri Ali did an excellent job officiating the Malaysia Cup final between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Sri Pahang on Saturday.
The association insisted Razlan's decisions during the match, which JDT won 2-1 to retain their title, were spot on.
FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram, who also heads the referees' committee, said an in-depth review of Razlan's performance showed the official was in control throughout the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
"According to the referee assessor's report, Razlan managed the match to a high standard, and none of his decisions influenced the final outcome," said Sivasundaram after reviewing reports from FAM's referees' unit and referees' performance committee.
"Both the referees' unit and the performance committee analysed the match and confirmed that the second yellow cards — which resulted in send-offs for both teams — were issued correctly under FIFA's Laws of the Game 2024-25.
"The penalty awarded to JDT and the disallowed goal for offside were also the right calls.
"Every major incident was reviewed properly by VAR, and VAR protocol was followed to an excellent standard."
Sivasundaram added that all key match incidents were judged fairly in accordance with the rules.
"It's only human to make small mistakes, but none affected the final result. Both teams had an equal chance of winning, and it was down to them to decide the outcome.
"FAM remains fully committed to upholding refereeing standards and will never compromise on officiating quality," he said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours 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
17 hours 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.'
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
France outclasses Germany to take third in Nations League
BERLIN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- France claimed the UEFA Nations League bronze medal in Stuttgart on Saturday, defeating Germany 2-0 in a match defined by clinical finishing and a noticeable drop in intensity from the host in the second half. Julian Nagelsmann's team started strongly following its semi-final defeat to Portugal, playing high up the pitch and attacking with purpose. Within the first six minutes, Niclas Fullkrug, Leon Goretzka and Karim Adeyemi all had chances to score, while Niklas Woltemade was denied by Mike Maignan in a one-on-one. Adeyemi later thought he had won a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision after a lengthy review. Despite being under siege for much of the opening half, France remained composed. Didier Deschamps, who had made several changes following the 5-4 defeat to Spain, trusted captain Kylian Mbappe to provide the spark, and the superstar delivered. Just before half-time, he shook off Joshua Kimmich and slotted the ball in off the post following a precise cross from Aurelien Tchouameni. Germany appeared to have equalized early in the second half when Deniz Undav scored from Fullkrug's pass, but the goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up. From then on, the momentum gradually shifted away from the home side. While Germany struggled to recreate its first-half tempo, France grew into the match and increasingly threatened on the counter. Marcus Thuram hit the post and tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen before Mbappe made the difference again. In the 84th minute, the French captain capitalized on a Robin Koch error and squared for Michael Olise to seal the victory. Nagelsmann introduced Tom Bischof late on, offering a glimpse into Germany's future, but ultimately, the evening belonged to France. "If you look at the chances we had and the way we played, the result feels harsh. We saw our true team again in the first half, but when you create four or five clear-cut chances, you simply must take the lead. Overall, there were a lot of positives. The result didn't help, but the performance certainly did," said Nagelsmann.
