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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
An open letter to Harimau Malaya head coach Cklamovski
Dear Peter, Since we've never met, allow me to introduce myself. I'm a journalist with over three decades of experience covering Malaysian football, and until recently, the country's sole representative in the prestigious Ballon d'Or voting panel – before the organisers limited participation to media from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations. Above all, I'm a passionate supporter of Harimau Malaya and Malaysian football. It's not too late to extend a warm welcome to you as the first Australian to take the helm of our national team. You may be familiar with another Australian who left a lasting mark here – Ron Smith. He served as Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) director of coaching over two decades ago and created a legacy in Sabah and Pahang, albeit very briefly. He and played a pivotal role in developing talents like Shukor Adan, Nizaruddin Yusof, and Nidzam Jamil, laying the groundwork for the 2001 SEA Games squad. His legacy reminds us that foreign expertise, when aligned with local development, can be transformative. Your early impact has been encouraging. The victories over Nepal and Vietnam in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers were impressive, and the inclusion of naturalised and heritage players like Hector Hevel and Jon Irazabal has added technical depth and international experience to the squad. However, their presence – despite unclear ancestral ties to Malaysia, has sparked debate. While FIFA may not object if the government has issued the necessary documents, fans are left questioning the criteria behind these decisions. Transparency is sorely lacking. Rob Friend, Harimau Malaya's chief executive officer, has yet to clearly explain the heritage or residency pathways for several players, despite his recent media charm offensive. This opacity risks alienating supporters and undermining the development of homegrown talent. Naturalisation should be guided by integrity, fairness, and a genuine connection to Malaysia. It must complement – not replace – the nurturing of local stars like Arif Aiman Hanapi and Ahmad Syihan Hazmi. The national team must remain a source of pride and identity for Malaysians. The situation has even led to widespread online speculation that FAM may have breached naturalisation rules. Whether true or not, the lack of clear communication fuels mistrust. Peter, Malaysian football has always been a blend of local pride and international collaboration. As we embrace a new generation of players, let us also preserve the values and memories of those who built the foundation. As we look to the future, it is equally important to honour the past. The legacy of players like Razali Alias and Ray Crawford reminds us of the rich history and multicultural spirit that has long defined Malaysian football. Razali, a Singapore-born striker, became the first naturalised player to represent Malaysia after he was granted citizenship in January 1984. He went on tour with the national team to the Middle East but FIFA ruled him ineligible for the World Cup qualifiers the following year as he had represented Singapore. Few Malaysians realise the first naturalised player with no connection to this land to don national colours was an Englishman later known as the Jungle Boy. Long before the Latin Americans were given their identity cards and passports to add more bite to Harimau Malaya, Portsmouth-born left-winger Ray Crawford enjoyed the distinction of representing Malaya almost 70 years ago. A much-respected player representing the Federation Combined Services in the Malaya Cup, Crawford served 18 months in Malaya with the Royal Hampshire Regiment. He was picked in a friendly match as the national team were officially formed, to prepare, ironically, for the first AFC Asian Cup in 1956. These trivia aside, I write this not out of malice, but from deep concern and a shared desire to see Malaysian football reach its full potential. Peter, your recent remarks on the allegations of internal sabotage and political interference have cast a shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration. While your courage in speaking out is commendable, the ambiguity of your statements has left fans, analysts, and even your employer, FAM, in confusion. FAM president Datuk Mohd Joehari Ayub has publicly urged you to clarify your claims, rightly pointing out that speculation without context only breeds division. Vague insinuations erode trust and morale. The time for cryptic remarks is over. Looking ahead, I wish you and the team the best of luck in the CAFA Nations Cup against Iran, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. This tournament, to be held in August until September, is a vital platform to test our mettle against Iran – the defending champions and Asia's second-ranked team – and other emerging Central Asian sides. It was before a small crowd in the AFC Asian Cup final rounds in 2007 that Malaysia last met Iran, who ran out comfortable winners despite the 2-0 margin. Peter, the path forward demands clarity, courage, and collaboration. Malaysian football deserves nothing less. Respectfully yours, Rizal Hashim
DW
30-06-2025
- Sport
- DW
Euro 2025: 5 things to know about the football tournament – DW – 06/30/2025
Sixteen of Europe's premier women's national teams are set to compete for continental supremacy. The tournament kicks off in Switzerland on July 2. Euro 2025 is being hosted by Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, and the matches will be played at eight stadiums: in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun and Sion. Iceland and Finland open the tournament in Thun on July 2, while hosts Switzerland kick off their campaign three hours later in Basel's St. Jakob-Park stadium — where the final is to be played on July 27. Germany open their campaign against Poland in St. Gallen on July 4. By today's standards this is a relatively small tournament, with just 16 teams, divided into four groups. Each team plays the other three in their group once, with the top two from each advancing to the quarterfinals. Should matches in the knockout stage remain drawn after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If necessary, matches will be decided in penalty shootouts. World Cup champions Spain disappointed by finishing out of the medals at last summer's Paris Olympics, but they still top this list as the continent's highest FIFA-ranked women's team (No. 2). By now, they should have put the controversy over the unwanted kiss by former FA President Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup final behind them. Normally one of the first teams you would name would be the defending champions; however, England have had a list of absences and injuries to deal with in recent months. Key central defender Millie Bright has ruled herself out, saying she was at her "mental and physical limit." Fellow Euro 2022 winners Fran Kirby and goalkeeper Mary Earps retired on the eve of the squad announcement. Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway, as well as Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood of Manchester City, each missed the bulk of the season after undergoing knee surgery but all make the squad, as does the mercurial Chelsea forward Lauren James, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Germany, finalists in 2022, are just behind Spain in the FIFA rankings but are a lesser-known quantity than they were three years ago. They've gone through a coaching change after the disappointing 2023 World Cup and the retirement of captain Alexandra Popp. New coach Christian Wück is optimistic about his squad, which he hopes will play with a mixture of "joy, enthusiasm, will and conviction." France have established themselves as regular quarterfinalists in recent Euros, making it to the semifinals in 2022 — and the Nations League Final in 2024. They had recently fallen off a bit but climbed back into the top 10 in FIFA's latest women's rankings. Giulia Gwinn has big boots to fill as Germany's new captain, but is a proven winner with Bayern Munich. She was also a member of the that fell at the last hurdle in England three years ago. Spain boast two recent Ballon d'Or winners in midfielders Aitana Bonmati (2023, 2024) and Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) — two good reasons for making Spain one of the favorites. Both were members of Spain's World Cup-winning side in 2023 and semifinalists at the Paris Olympics. Ewa Pajor, a teammate of Putellas and Bonmati at Barcelona, is making her debut at a major tournament with her national team, as this is the first time that Poland have managed to qualify for either the World Cup or the Euros. They will need the striker to be at the top of her game if they are to come out of a group with Germany, Denmark and Sweden. One of her opponents will be Pernille Harder, a veteran of more than 160 matches for Denmark. At 32, she is still going strong for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. For the defending champions, Alessia Russo has graduated from Euro 2022 supersub to England's first choice striker. The Arsenal forward was joint top scorer in the domestic Women's Super League (WSL) and won the Champions League with her club. She will be the focal point for a side who have plenty of attacking midfield threats. UEFA announced late last year that it had earmarked a total of €41 million ($47 million) in prize money for the 2025 Women's Euros, representing a 156% increase on the figure from the previous tournament in 2022. In a statement, European football's governing body said the increase in funds reflected "UEFA's on-going commitment to growing women's football across Europe." Still, the women continue to trail far behind the men in this department, with the total prize money for Euro 2024 coming in at €331 million — or about eight times what the women are playing for this summer.
DW
29-06-2025
- Sport
- DW
Women's Euro 2025: 5 things to know – DW – 06/27/2025
Sixteen of Europe's premier women's national teams are set to compete for continental supremacy. DW has you covered on the key facts as the tournament opens in Switzerland. Euro 2025 is being hosted by Switzerland from July 2 to July 27, and the matches will be played at eight stadiums: in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun and Sion. Iceland and Finland open the tournament in Thun on July 2, while hosts Switzerland kick off their campaign three hours later in Basel's St. Jakob-Park stadium — where the final is to be played on July 27. Germany open their campaign against Poland in St. Gallen on July 4. By today's standards this is a relatively small tournament, with just 16 teams, divided into four groups. Each team plays the other three in their group once, with the top two from each advancing to the quarterfinals. Should matches in the knockout stage remain drawn after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If necessary, matches will be decided in penalty shootouts. World Cup champions Spain disappointed by finishing out of the medals at last summer's Paris Olympics, but they still top this list as the continent's highest FIFA-ranked women's team (No. 2). By now, they should have put the controversy over the unwanted kiss by former FA President Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup final behind them. Normally one of the first teams you would name would be the defending champions; however, England have had a list of absences and injuries to deal with in recent months. Key central defender Millie Bright has ruled herself out, saying she was at her "mental and physical limit." Fellow Euro 2022 winners Fran Kirby and goalkeeper Mary Earps retired on the eve of the squad announcement. Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway, as well as Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood of Manchester City, each missed the bulk of the season after undergoing knee surgery but all make the squad, as does the mercurial Chelsea forward Lauren James, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Germany, finalists in 2022, are just behind Spain in the FIFA rankings but are a lesser-known quantity than they were three years ago. They've gone through a coaching change after the disappointing 2023 World Cup and the retirement of captain Alexandra Popp. New coach Christian Wück is optimistic about his squad, which he hopes will play with a mixture of "joy, enthusiasm, will and conviction." France have established themselves as regular quarterfinalists in recent Euros, making it to the semifinals in 2022 — and the Nations League Final in 2024. They had recently fallen off a bit but climbed back into the top 10 in FIFA's latest women's rankings. Giulia Gwinn has big boots to fill as Germany's new captain, but is a proven winner with Bayern Munich. She was also a member of the that fell at the last hurdle in England three years ago. Spain boast two recent Ballon d'Or winners in midfielders Aitana Bonmati (2023, 2024) and Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) — two good reasons for making Spain one of the favorites. Both were members of Spain's World Cup-winning side in 2023 and semifinalists at the Paris Olympics. Ewa Pajor, a teammate of Putellas and Bonmati at Barcelona, is making her debut at a major tournament with her national team, as this is the first time that Poland have managed to qualify for either the World Cup or the Euros. They will need the striker to be at the top of her game if they are to come out of a group with Germany, Denmark and Sweden. One of her opponents will be Pernille Harder, a veteran of more than 160 matches for Denmark. At 32, she is still going strong for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. For the defending champions, Alessia Russo has graduated from Euro 2022 supersub to England's first choice striker. The Arsenal forward was joint top scorer in the domestic Women's Super League (WSL) and won the Champions League with her club. She will be the focal point for a side who have plenty of attacking midfield threats. UEFA announced late last year that it had earmarked a total of €41 million ($47 million) in prize money for the 2025 Women's Euros, representing a 156% increase on the figure from the previous tournament in 2022. In a statement, European football's governing body said the increase in funds reflected "UEFA's on-going commitment to growing women's football across Europe." Still, the women continue to trail far behind the men in this department, with the total prize money for Euro 2024 coming in at €331 million — or about eight times what the women are playing for this summer.
DW
27-06-2025
- Sport
- DW
Women's Euro 2025: Five things to know – DW – 06/27/2025
Sixteen of Europe's premier women's national teams are set to compete for continental supremacy. DW has you covered on the key facts as the tournament opens in Switzerland. Euro 2025 is being hosted by Switzerland from July 2 to July 27 and the matches will be played at eight stadiums: in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Zurich, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Thun and Sion. Iceland and Finland open the tournament in Thun on July 2, while hosts Switzerland kick off their campaign three hours later in Basel's St. Jakob-Park stadium – where the final is to be played on July 27. Germany open their campaign against Poland in St. Gallen on July 4. By today's standards this is a relatively small tournament, with just 16 teams, divided into four groups. Each team plays the other three in their group once, with the top two from each advancing to the quarterfinals. Should matches in the knockout stage remain drawn after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If necessary, matches will be decided in penalty shootouts. World Cup champions Spain disappointed by finishing out of the medals at last summer's Paris Olympics, still they top this list as the continent's highest FIFA-ranked women's team (No. 2). By now they should have put the controversy over the unwanted kiss by former FA President Luis Rubiales after the 2023 World Cup final behind them. Normally one of the first teams you would name would be the defending champions, however England have had a list of absences and injuries to deal with in recent months. Key central defender Millie Bright ruled herself our, saying she was at her "mental and physical limit" while fellow Euro 2022 winners Fran Kirby and goalkeeper Mary Earps retired on the eve of the squad announcement. Bayern Munich star Georgia Stanway as well as Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood of Manchester City, each missed the bulk of the season after undergoing knee surgery but all make the squad, as does the mercurial Chelsea forward Lauren James, who is nursing a hamstring injury. Germany, finalists in 2022, are just behind Spain in the FIFA rankings but are a lesser-known quantity than they were three years ago. They've gone through a coaching change after the disappointing 2023 World Cup and captain Alexandra Popp retired. New coach Christian Wück is optimistic about his squad, which he hopes will play with a mixture of "joy, enthusiasm, will and conviction." France have established themselves as regular quarterfinalists in recent Euros, making it to the semifinals in 2022 – and the Nations League Final in 2024. They had recently fallen off a bit but climbed back into the top 10 in FIFA's latest women's rankings. Following the retirement of Alexandra Popp, Giulia Gwinn has big boots to fill as Germany's new captain, but is a proven winner with Bayern Munich. She was also a member of the that fell at the last hurdle in England three years ago. Spain boast two recent Ballon d'Or winners in midfielders Aitana Bonmati (2023, 2024) and Alexia Putellas (2021, 2022) – two good reasons for making Spain one of the favorites. Both were members of Spain's World Cup-winning side in 2023 and semifinalists at the Paris Olympics. A teammate of Putellas and Bonmati at Barcelona, Ewa Pajor is making her debut at a major tournament with her national team, as this is the first time that Poland have managed to qualify for either the World Cup or the Euros. They will need the striker to be at the top of her game if they are to come out of a group with Germany, Denmark and Sweden. One of her opponents will be Pernille Harder, a veteran of more than 160 matches for Denmark at 32, she is still going strong for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. For the defending champions, Alessia Russo has graduated from Euro 2022 supersub to England's first choice striker. The Arsenal forward was joint top scorer in the domestic Women's Super League (WSL) and won the Champions League with her club. She will be the focal point for a side who have plenty of attacking midfield threats. UEFA announced late last year that it had earmarked a total of €41 million ($47 million) in prize money for the 2025 Women's Euros, representing a 156% increase on the figure from the previous tournament in 2022. In a statement, European football's governing body said the increase in funds reflected "UEFA's on-going commitment to growing women's football across Europe." Still, the women continue to trail far behind the men in this department, with the total prize money for Euro 2024 coming in at €331 million – or about eight times what the women are playing for this summer.
