KUALA LUMPUR: While the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has sought an explanation from Fifa over the seven minutes of added time played in Indonesia’s 9-2 win over Bangladesh last night, it has yet to respond to questions over an alleged travel restriction involving its newly elected president, Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan.
Twentytwo13 has sought clarification on Ab Ghani’s travel status since he won the presidency on Sept 17.
The publication also waited for three hours for Ab Ghani at Wisma FAM following the executive committee meeting held by the newly elected committee on Sept 30.
A member of Ab Ghani’s team said a statement on the issue would be issued on Oct 1, but none has been received.
Twentytwo13 had earlier this week contacted the Immigration Department of Malaysia seeking clarification on a purported travel restriction imposed on Ab Ghani following online allegations, and is still awaiting a response.
All candidates were supposedly screened ahead of the Extraordinary Congress-cum-election, which was held despite allegations that the chairman and his deputy did not meet the qualification requirements under FAM’s constitution.
The vetting process included integrity checks by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the police and the Insolvency Department.
On the pitch, Malaysia failed to qualify for the final of the inaugural Fifa Asean Cup despite keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament.
Harimau Malaya defeated Bangladesh 3-0, drew 0-0 with 10-man Indonesia and thrashed Singapore 6-0. It will now face Vietnam for the bronze medal.
Indonesia, meanwhile, defeated Singapore 2-0 before thrashing Bangladesh 9-2. It will face Thailand in the final.
Yesterday’s Indonesia-Bangladesh match raised eyebrows after seven minutes of added time was played instead of the announced two.
In a statement this morning, FAM said it took the increase in added time seriously.
“In view of the circumstances surrounding the matter, FAM will submit an official request to Fifa seeking clarification on the basis, procedures and circumstances that led to the change in the amount of added time,” FAM said.
“FAM considers the accurate and consistent management of match time to be an important element of match officiating and the overall integrity of competition, particularly in ensuring that matches are conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the applicable Laws of the Game and competition regulations.
“The matter warrants clarification given the significance of the match in determining the final standings in Group A and the teams advancing to the final.”
FAM said it would also ask Fifa to review the circumstances, stressing that the request was not intended to challenge the result or question the performance or achievement of either team.
“Rather, it is intended to seek official clarification on the match-officiating process and procedures, with a view to ensuring transparency, consistency and clarity in the application of the relevant regulations.”
