Latest news with #SafeeSali
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Safee Sali steps down as PFAM president
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national striker Safee Sali announced his resignation as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) today, marking the end of his leadership since 2019. In a heartfelt two-minute video shared on Instagram, the 41-year-old said the decision was not an easy one, but it was time to make way for new, younger leadership. "I would like to wish everyone a blessed Awal Muharram. Hopefully, the new year brings strength and prosperity for a better life. "Secondly, this will be my final week as president of PFAM. It's not an easy decision, but I believe it's time to give space to the younger generation to take over." Safee said he hopes his departure will open the door for fresh perspectives and allow Malaysian football to grow with the players at the forefront. "Players are the key to moving football forward in Malaysia. I hope the new leadership will introduce innovative ideas and implement the necessary changes. I wish them the best of luck," he said. "My job is done. From 2019 to the present, I would like to thank all PFAM staff, especially Izham Ismail (PFAM CEO), and the players who have supported me. Good luck in the future, the future is yours." In a separate caption accompanying the video, Safee wrote: "Today, I officially announce my resignation as president of PFAM. It has been a fulfilling journey working alongside passionate individuals. I will continue to support PFAM in a new way and am excited to see what the future holds. Thank you all for the great memories." He also attached a statement thanking PFAM for the opportunity to serve, and expressed his belief in the potential of the next generation. "This decision did not come easily, but I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow the younger generation to take the lead," he said. "I am confident that the future leaders of our association will bring new energy and vision to our shared passion for the game. I look forward to seeing the positive changes and am excited about what the future holds for football and the young talents it represents." Safee, who enjoyed a storied career at the club and international level, was appointed president of PFAM in 2019. His tenure saw greater advocacy for player welfare and efforts to professionalise support structures within the local football scene.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Safee steps down as PFAM president
FORMER national striker Safee Sali has resigned as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM). Safee said it was not an easy decision to make, but he believed the time had come for him to step aside for the younger generation to lead the association. 'I firmly believe that introducing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas is vital for the continued growth and development of football on a global scale. 'It has been an honour to serve in this capacity, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together during my tenure. My responsibility as PFAM president, which began in 2019, has come to an end today,' he said in a statement on his Instagram account today. Safee expressed confidence that the new leaders of the association will inject fresh energy into the game and that he looks forward to seeing the positive changes they will make.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Safee: Harimau Malaya's heritage intake not a sign of failure
KUALA LUMPUR: Former Harimau Malaya captain Safee Sali has dismissed claims that Malaysia's growing reliance on heritage players is due to the failure of the current players Safee insists the influx of foreign-born talent is part of the national team's natural evolution, not a desperate fix. Harimau Malaya have added five new heritage players to their ranks — Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca — following the earlier inclusion of Hector Hevel and Gabriel Palmero, who debuted in March. Six of them featured in Malaysia's stunning 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10. "I don't see it that way. Failure is part of the process — without setbacks, we don't learn or grow," said Safee, brushing off the suggestion that the previous crop of players had underperformed. "It's not that the earlier group failed. They gave everything they had. But football is always evolving, and we have to keep up whether in terms of performance or results." Safee said there's nothing wrong with bringing in reinforcements, as long as it's within the rules. "If we're following FIFA regulations, I don't see an issue," he added. Malaysia's big win over Vietnam has reignited optimism, but Safee warned against getting carried away. "That result raised expectations among fans and stakeholders. Every country is doing the same — building stronger, more competitive squads. It has a positive impact," he said. "But we must also look at the bigger picture — the development of this project and the kind of results it will bring in the future." Malaysia are now in pole position to qualify for a second straight Asian Cup, having won their opening two matches — 2-0 over Nepal and 4-0 against Vietnam — to top Group F. "I think we've got a great chance of qualifying again, but we mustn't take Vietnam or any team lightly," said Safee. "We have to stay sharp and cautious. With our current form, I believe we can book our spot." When asked if Malaysia should continue calling up heritage players, Safee said the decision lies with national coach Peter Cklamovski. "I'm just giving an outsider's view, but it's up to Cklamovski. He knows what's needed to take the team forward," said Safee. "As long as the players meet his standards and fit into the system, I have no issue with it." He also addressed criticism over the inclusion of foreign-born players, urging fans to focus on results. "What matters is the team's success. Constant negativity won't help us move forward," said Safee. "We're not breaking any FIFA rules. If we want to compete with the best, we need results — that's how we show we belong at the top." Malaysia lead Group F with six points, ahead of Vietnam and Laos (three points each), while Nepal remain bottom with none. Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
