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Irresponsible People Trying To Undermine Spirit Of Malaysian Team - Ahmad Shabery


JAKARTA, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Rumours that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) was fined USD40 million (RM128 million) and suspended four years by FIFA, due to the laser beam distraction issue during the AFF Suzuki Cup final between Malaysia and Indonesia on Sunday, is just a ploy to undermine the national team.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said such reports were just an effort by some irresponsible people to weaken the spirit of the Malaysian team which face Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium tomorrow.

"I have checked with FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad and found that such reports were just rumours and completely baseless," Ahmad Shabery told Malaysia reporters on Tuesday.

The question posed by an Indonesian reporter at a joint press conference between Ahmad Shabery and Indonesia's Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng, shocked the Malaysian minister.

"I am just hearing it from you (Indonesian journalist). If true, FAM will certainly take the necessary measures or appeal," he said.

Indonesian reporters had also asked whether using the laser beam to distract Indonesian players was an effort by Malaysia to overcome Indonesia in the first leg final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Ahmad Shabery who firmly denied such notion however, said it was a regrettable incident.

He added that the relevant authorities have been asked to carry out an investigation.

"We always try to ensure matches are held in the most conducive manner without any distraction but to ensure every fan is in the right frame of mind is beyond anyone's control. However, we will continue to rectify such flaws," he said.

Ahmad Shabery told Indonesian reporters that the official AFF website had footage showing Malaysian players being distracted by laser beams during the group match against Indonesia at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on Dec 1.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian squad's scheduled training was cancelled twice due to security reasons and a massive traffic jam.

According to the schedule, Malaysia were supposed to train at Field C of the Bung Karno Sports Complex but cancelled due to safety reasons and shifted to another venue in Lebak Bulus, Jakarta, which was a one hour drive from the hotel.

The bus that was ferrying the players however, had to return to the hotel due to a massive traffic jam, forcing the players to undergo light training at the hotel.

Malaysia who beat Indonesia 3-0 in the first leg final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will play the second leg final in Indonesia tomorrow.

Indonesian FA secretary-general Nugraha Besoes said 1,000 tickets were allocated for Malaysia but only 500 were taken.

He added that security will be given top priority during the match, including for players, fans and the officials.

-- BERNAMA



By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

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