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Annuar poised to make comeback

FORMER Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa is about to return to mainstream football despite still serving a 30-month ban imposed by the FA of Malaysia from all football activities.

Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has invited Annuar to join a revamped national football development committee which is charged with ensuring Malaysia qualify for the Under-20 World Cup in 2019.

Annuar copped the suspension in April 2012 for violating FAM's Article 88 which prohibits members from issuing critical statements without authorisation when he questioned coach K. Rajagobal's handling of the national team.

With his ban only expiring next October, Annuar confirmed he received a letter from the ministry to join the committee but is not sure if he can.

"I received the appointment letter yesterday (Wednesday) and an invitation to attend a meeting on Nov 25 (Monday)," the former FAM deputy president posted on his Facebook page.

"I thank the minister for his trust in me and will work to help him develop football in the country. I just have one small question. As I am still suspended from all football activities, can I be appointed to this committee? In any case, I will still serve, God willing."

In reply to a query on Twitter, Khairy confirmed not just Annuar's appointment but also that of former national players Ahmad Shahrul Azhar Sofian and Bakri Ibni and former Kedah team manager Datuk Othman Aziz.

On why he chose Annuar, Khairy said: "His success in steering Kafa (Kelantan FA) is proven," and added that Othman "has many ideas concerning development."

Before his suspension, Annuar was an instrumental figure in leading Kelantan out of the depths of the FAM League in 2005 to treble champions last year.

Among those who have been replaced on the committee is former FAM general secretary Datuk Dell Akbar Khan.

In August, Khairy hired former national team midfielder Lim Teong Kim as project director of the ministry's national football development programme.

Khairy has been vocal in his criticism of FAM in recent times and the latest move may not go down well with football's national governing body.

FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin could not be reached for comment.


Tan Sri Annuar Musa’s ban will only expire next October.

Read more: Annuar poised to make comeback - Soccer - New Straits Times

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