A holistic study needed: FAM boss
Published on: Thursday, July 30, 2015
Pahang: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said a holistic study was needed before adopting naturalised players in the national squad.Tengku Abdullah said a decision to accept naturalised players cannot be made overnight because a proper plan is needed to give a significant impact to the quality of football in the country."It should not be an issue (naturalisation of players) because such a proposal has been lobbied for some time now but we must carefully study the impact it will have in the short term and long term.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There need to be a proper plan for the short term and long term to see how far such a move can benefit football development in the country," he told reporters after visiting Yaakob Hashim, a fire victim at Felda Mempaga 3, here Wednesday.Fifa's residential ruling amended in 2008 states that if a player has been a resident in a country for five years beyond his 18th birthday, he can play international football for his adopted country.The issue of naturalised players emerged when National coach Dollah Salleh welcomed the idea of naturalising foreigners to play for the national team in order to give a boost for local football after guiding the Malaysia XI selection to a 1-1 draw against English Premier League giants Liverpool last Friday.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
ADVERTISEMENT
"To play at a higher level, we need to be equipped with better skills, endurance and experience. Just being the champion at the Super League, Malaysia Cup or SEA Games is not enough. We need to excel at a higher level," he said. – Bernama
