SEPANG — Upon the return of Harimau Malaya from the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for the RM5 million allocation announced earlier today.
The additional funding follows the 130th-ranked national football squad’s commendable performance, securing a 3-3 draw against 23rd-ranked South Korea in the final Group E match of the Asian Cup.
Despite finishing the tournament with one point and facing setbacks with a 4-0 loss to Jordan and a 1-0 defeat to Bahrain, the draw against the Asian powerhouse marked a notable achievement for Harimau Malaya.
“I want to thank Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Hannah Yeoh for allocating RM5 million to FAM for football development.
“As to how the money will be spent, we will discuss it at a financial management committee meeting which will be held at a later date,” said Azman upon the team’s arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
Meanwhile, responding to a recent social media comment by women’s national team player Intan Sarah Anisah Zulgafli, Azman noted that her remarks would be evaluated.
He said national team players are expected to exercise caution on social media.
“As a national team player, she should not have made those statements.
“During camps, players are always reminded to mind what they say on social media.”
Intan, known for her huge following on social media, had criticised Harimau Malaya head coach Kim Pan-gon’s substitutions during the 3-3 draw against South Korea.
Realising it has drawn negative reactions from netizens, she has since taken down the post.
Azman added that the FAM management will assess the situation to determine if any action should be taken. — January 26, 2024