Latest news with #FAM
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AFC distances itself from Malaysia's potential FIFA suspension
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has distanced itself from explosive claims that Malaysia could be suspended by FIFA over the alleged misuse of player naturalisation rules. The allegations, made by Indonesian football pundit Justinus Lhaksana, better known as Coach Justin, suggested that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) had bypassed international eligibility regulations to field several South American-born players. In his podcast "Bukan Bincang Sepak Bola Biasa", Justin accused Malaysia of using players with "fabricated lineage" and claimed FIFA could impose sanctions, including possible suspension until 2027. However, neither FIFA nor the AFC has issued any confirmation. AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismissed the speculation, making it clear that any action related to eligibility falls under FIFA's jurisdiction, not the AFC's. "We have not been informed of any suspension. Moreover, FAM would know first before anyone else," said Windsor. "AFC has no information, as such matters come under the purview of FIFA." The allegations surfaced after five South American-born players — Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Facundo Garces — featured in Harimau Malaya's 4-0 win over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers on June 10. Coach Justin also claimed that Malaysia's involvement in the ongoing Under-23 Asean Championship — a tournament organised by the Asean Football Federation (AFF) — was only possible because it is a non-FIFA-sanctioned competition. But without any official comment or evidence from FIFA, the claims remain unsubstantiated and speculative. The FA of Malaysia (FAM) was unavailable for comment when contacted.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway [WATCH]
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life." Previous Next
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
AirAsia founder eyes Malaysian football runway
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Tony Fernandes may have stepped away from football years ago, but he is ready to make a comeback. And the AirAsia founder is eyeing the FA of Malaysia (FAM) runway — meaning he hopes to help local football. Fernandes, a former co-owner of English club, Queens Park Rangers, returned to the spotlight as Team Harimau manager at the Zurich Liga 7x7 tournament at Kuala Lumpur FA Stadium on Saturday. View this post on Instagram At 60, Fernandes' passion for football is evidently still running strong. "It was amazing (Zurich Liga). Everyone who came, enjoyed themselves. It was impressive that people took it seriously — protested, got upset they didn't win. That's passion," said Fernandes, who fielded a squad of mostly ex-internationals. He said watching Malaysia beat Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier last month, has reignited his long-held goal to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football. "I love football. I'm 60 and I still go out there and kick a ball. If they (FAM) want me, I would love to help," he said. "I've never been offered any positions in FAM or anywhere, right? Maybe I'm too controversial or speak my mind too much. But I'm 100 per cent (if there is an offer to join FAM), I want to see us back at our best." Fernandes, who also ran a football team, PJ Rangers from 2014-2018, said: "When competing with the J-League, K-League and Saudi League, you need proper pitches, sports science, analytics, and the full package. That's what we're missing." Fernandes believes that new formats, such as seven-a-side football, will be of much interest to younger audiences, much like Twenty20 in cricket, while boosting participation at the grassroots level. Fernandes now wants to revive two things close to his heart – sports and social impact. "I want to build a low-cost school and hospital. But if there's one more project that I could do with all my heart, it's bringing Malaysian football back to life."
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FIFA ban until 2027? Indonesian pundit drops bombshell on Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Could Malaysia be slapped with a FIFA suspension until 2027? That's the explosive claim made by Indonesian football pundit Justinus Lhaksana, better known as Coach Justin, who has accused the FA of Malaysia (FAM) of bypassing international eligibility rules through the questionable naturalisation of South American players. In a recent episode of his podcast "Bukan Bincang Sepak Bola Biasa", Justin alleged that Malaysia are already suspended by FIFA for fielding players with "fabricated lineage" — though no such confirmation has come from world football's governing body or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). "Malaysia are still allowed to play in the Under-23 Asean Championship because it's not recognised by FIFA. But they're suspended until 2027," he claimed on the HY Sport YouTube channel. According to Justin, five players who previously played in Brazil were brought into the national team under the guise of having Malaysian ancestry. "The federation (FAM) claimed they had Malaysian ancestors. If that's true, it should be easy to prove with documents," he said. "Otherwise, it looks like they're playing the system. And it seems they will be appealing." His comments appear to refer to Malaysia's decision to debut five foreign-born players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado — in a FIFA match day clash against Vietnam on June 10, which ended in a thumping 4-0 win for Peter Cklamovski's side. What has made the accusation even more incendiary is Justin's comparison with Indonesia, claiming his country follows strict rules on lineage verification. "In Indonesia, we trace a player's ancestry two or three generations back, with birth certificates and everything," he said. "Look at our players — (Shayne) Pattynama, (Joey) Pelupessy, (Ragnar) Oratmangoen, (Stefano) Lilipaly, even Emil Audero — all clearly have Indonesian blood." The claims have sent social media into overdrive, coming at a time when Malaysia's aggressive recruitment of foreign talent has already raised eyebrows. However, AFC has already poured cold water on any talk of a brewing scandal. On July 4, AFC general-secretary Datuk Seri Windsor Paul dismissed speculation that Malaysia are under investigation for fielding ineligible players, confirming that no complaint had been received regarding the June 10 match. "Eligibility matters fall strictly under FIFA's jurisdiction," he said. FAM, through secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, also denied any wrongdoing, stressing that the association had complied fully with international guidelines and had not received any communication from FIFA or the AFC.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Fam Is Back: Film Festival Edition: Karangahape Road Becomes A Living Cinema
Press Release – Elephant Publicity After the first FAM celebration lit up Karangahape Road in May, it's back this winter with a brand-new twist. On Saturday 2 August, the street transforms into a living, breathing cinema with films popping up in arcades, alleyways, shopfronts, and around all kinds of unexpected corners. FAM: Film Festival Edition will fill the street with screenings, live performances, and music from 2pm 'til late and it's all completely free. This full-street takeover, inspired by the spirit of the New Zealand International Film Festival, has a very K' Road flavour. At East Street, catch Homeward Bound with your dog (yes, furry friends are welcome), or sing your heart out at Cult Classic with Kita, an interactive, glitter-soaked evening hosted by the fabulous drag superstar Kita Mean. Settle in for a John Carpenter horror double feature at Whammy Bar. Expect big sounds outside Pitt Street Church, including a set from the one and only Bub, led by Priya Sami, will be rocking the street. Add to that nostalgic shorts, underground premieres, music videos, and showtunes from the pink piano on Pitt Street, and you've got yourself a cinematic street party like no other. ' FAM is all about bringing people together on K' Road and using all the weird and wonderful spaces we've got on this iconic street,' says Ella, Creative Producer at the Karangahape Road Business Association. ' It's fun, it's a bit chaotic, and there's something for everyone.' Other highlights of the day include Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop with Julia Reynolds (2:30pm to 4pm) A hands-on session for aspiring storytellers looking to make films. Kiri & Lou Takeover at St Kevins Arcade (2pm – 5pm) Join SMALL RAVE for a playful afternoon of Kiri and Lou magic at St Kevins Arcade. Activities include clay animation, storytime, hands-on crafts, and screenings of the BAFTA-nominated kids show. Free fun for all ages — come get silly and creative! Day One short films, local music videos, and live performances from Bub, Goodspace and dān dān (4pm – 7pm) Top of the Pitts Stage outside Pitt St Church Everything Everywhere All At Once – Step into the K' Road laundromat to watch this epic movie which will play on a loop all evening (2pm – 6pm) Beyond the Familiar: Artist Talk at RM Gallery (4pm) Beyond the Familiar is a portrayal of an in-between world, shaped by the movements of migration. Featuring Tāmaki Makaurau-based artists from South-East Asian and Pasifika backgrounds, the exhibition reflects on their diasporic experiences, where identity, belonging, and memory intersect across shifting cultural landscapes. Paraidolia: Immersive Art Exhibition at The Button Factory (from 6pm) Wander through a world of abstract paintings and sculptural lamps that play with perception and emotion. Queer Night Club CHURCH: at Neck of the Woods (10pm) An offering of sound, movement and connection, this edition features a special collaboration with illustrator and poet Māori Mermaid (Jessica Hinerangi Thompson-Carr). This event celebrates the creativity, boldness and independent spirit of Karangahape Road, where every corner has a story to tell. Full programme is launching soon! Proudly supported by Karangahape Business Association, Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.
