Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Football Club have denied claims that they did not cooperate by refusing to release their Indonesian player Saddil Ramdani (pic) after he received his national call-up.
This followed a report stating that the Football Association of Indonesia will pursue the matter so that Saddil will get to play in the Hanoi SEA Games in Vietnam.
According to an official statement released on Thursday, Sabah FC team manager Marzuki Nasir said they are disappointed with the reports because they have actually agreed to release Saddil for his national team duties during the Fifa matches from May 30-June 14.
“We have held discussion with Saddil and he understood the club’s situation.
“He is one of our main players and no team in the world of football will release their quality players outside the Fifa calendar.
“His service is needed in our four Super League matches against Selangor (May 7), Terengganu FC (May 11), Penang FC (May 17), Sri Pahang FC (May 21) as well as the FA Cup tie which coincided with the SEA Games.
“Based on current reports, it is understood that Saddil is not the only Indonesian national team player based abroad who will not be released for the 2021 SEA Games,” he added.
Meanwhile, Saddil stated that he respected Sabah FC’s decision and vowed to give his best for the club.
