Latest news with #JoehariAyub
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM denies neglecting youth teams
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has denied neglecting youth development following the country's dismal performance at the recent Under-23 Asean Championship. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub stressed that under his leadership, equal emphasis is placed on every level of the national setup, from the senior team down to the Under-17s. And he is already laying the groundwork for deeper international affiliations and youth integration in the Super League. "There might be a misunderstanding," he said, addressing recent criticism that the national youth teams were neglected following Malaysia's group-stage exit in the Under-23 Asean Championship in Jakarta. "I can assure you, as president, that every level of the national teams, from senior to youth, is being cared for equally. "There's no bias toward any age group," he said. Joehari revealed that his recent trip to Melbourne was not merely observational, but involved high-level discussions with the Australian Football Federation about forming a long-term affiliation that could allow young Malaysian players to train and develop in the Australian system. "I also had discussions with the federation and their president about building an affiliation or attachment, where our players can go," he said. However Joehari admitted that funding remains a challenge in turning these ideas into reality, but hinted at one possible solution, introducing youth quotas in the Super League. "We're looking to find ways to give our young players more opportunities, especially in the Super League and the AFL," he said. "Maybe we can introduce quotas for young players in the Super League if teams agree. That's one of the approaches we'll discuss with the league organisers."
New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM hits back at 'baseless' claims over naturalised players
KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) rubbished claims that they could face sanctions from FIFA or the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over the alleged use of ineligible naturalised players during their 4-0 win over Vietnam in last month's Asian Cup qualifier. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub insisted the governing body had followed all proper procedures and dismissed the swirling accusations as baseless. "FIFA have checked. We followed the rules and regulations," he told Timesport on Thursday. The controversy was sparked by Indonesian outlet Disway ID, which alleged that Harimau Malaya's victory on June 10 could be overturned — with Vietnam awarded a 3-0 win instead. The report also claimed that FAM could be fined US$2 million (RM9.4 million) and face further sanctions if FIFA finds evidence of document manipulation involving players heritage. Five newly naturalised players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Hidalgo and Jon Irazabal — made their debuts in that match, prompting critics in Indonesia and Vietnam to question the legitimacy of their Malaysian ancestry. FAM has already stated that the players' naturalisation processes were fully vetted and approved by FIFA. However, Indonesian media claimed that an internal probe by the world body had uncovered inconsistencies in the documentation. As of now, neither FIFA nor the AFC have issued any official statement, and no formal complaints have been made public. Despite the lack of concrete evidence or action, the issue has gained traction among Southeast Asian football fans, especially on social media, with many demanding a formal investigation. Peter Cklamovski's side currently top Group F with six points, followed by Vietnam and Laos (three points each) and Nepal (zero). Malaysia opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Nepal in March before their dominant victory over Vietnam.
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
FAM chief responds to accusations of secrecy
KUALA LUMPUR: The foreign-born naturalised players have come to Kuala Lumpur, played for Malaysia and have gone back to where they came from. Yet, the debate over their ancestry, their lineage, their connection to Malaysia refuses to go away. It's an unusual situation, in fact, something which Malaysian football has never experienced. Some fans can't pronounce the names of their national players, some have problems remembering who is who and from where. And some fans have accused the FA of Malaysia (FAM) of keeping the lineage of the heritage players under wraps. In response, FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub said the lineage and ancestry of the new heritage players have been verified. FAM had earlier announced that five new heritage players — Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado — were cleared by Fifa. And they played key roles in the 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil last month. However, FAM has not revealed the lineage of these players, or how are they related to Malaysia, leaving fans in the dark. Joehari said the players' backgrounds were vetted and cleared by Fifa, and FAM has no reason to conceal any information. "We are not taking this lightly. Fifa has checked everything, and at FAM, we are merely following the procedures and directives set by them. "If we need to reveal it, we have no problem doing so." Joehari said FAM has always prioritised transparency and will not take shortcuts when it comes to recruiting foreign-born players, particularly in terms of eligibility and compliance with international regulations. "If there were any issues, Fifa would not have granted approval. In this case, everything was cleared and done through the correct process," he said.
Malay Mail
31-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
FAM, MFL pledge full support for Tunku Mahkota Ismail's vision to advance Malaysian football
PETALING JAYA, May 31 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have today unanimously expressed their support for all efforts undertaken and to be made by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in advancing national football. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub also conveyed his appreciation and gratitude for the Regent's contributions in elevating Malaysian football. 'During the meeting, a resolution was reached in which all the top leadership from state football associations (FAs) and football clubs (FCs) in attendance unanimously expressed their gratitude to His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, for his efforts and contributions to the development of Malaysian football. 'Secondly, FAM and MFL also unanimously support the initiatives that have been undertaken and those planned by Tunku Mahkota Ismail for the betterment of Malaysian football,' he said after the joint meeting with FAs and FCs at Wisma FAM today. Tunku Mahkota Ismail plays a key role in various aspects of national football development, including league structuring, grassroots development, and the direction of the national team. — Bernama
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
FAM, MFL back Tunku Mahkota Ismail's push for national football
THE Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have today unanimously expressed their support for all efforts undertaken and to be made by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, in advancing national football. FAM president Datuk Joehari Ayub also conveyed his appreciation and gratitude for the Regent's contributions in elevating Malaysian football. 'During the meeting, a resolution was reached in which all the top leadership from state football associations (FAs) and football clubs (FCs) in attendance unanimously expressed their gratitude to His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor, for his efforts and contributions to the development of Malaysian football. 'Secondly, FAM and MFL also unanimously support the initiatives that have been undertaken and those planned by Tunku Mahkota Ismail for the betterment of Malaysian football,' he said after the joint meeting with FAs and FCs at Wisma FAM today. Tunku Mahkota Ismail plays a key role in various aspects of national football development, including league structuring, grassroots development, and the direction of the national team.
