KUALA LUMPUR – National football player Faisal Halim has urged fans, including Ultras Malaya, not to boycott the upcoming Merdeka Tournament and instead rally behind the team.
The 26-year-old winger’s response came after it was reported that Ultras Malaya, the largest supporters’ group in the country, has been planning to boycott this year’s tournament while demanding the resignation of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Faisal emphasised the need for fans to support the governing body in its efforts to improve the national team following the abrupt departure of former national head coach Kim Pan-gon.
“I don’t think it’s a positive move for our fans to boycott this tournament. The national team needs their support, and with coach Pan-gon leaving us, we need to show the same support for our new coach, Pau Marti Vicente.
“Even the president (Hamidin) and his team have been working hard to improve the team, doing their best, so we all need to support their initiatives.
“I hope the fans will come and support our team in action. But to be honest, whether the fans come or not, the players know their responsibility very well.
“Every one of them will definitely play their part and fight for the team until the end, and my support will always be there for the Harimau Malaya. I hope we can go all out and become champions this time,” said Faisal at Wisma FAM yesterday.
Meanwhile, Hamidin said that the governing body should not be blamed for some of the issues that have plagued it.
He further urged both fans and Ultras Malaya to support the team’s campaign in the Merdeka Tournament, in accordance with Merdeka month.
“I call on Ultras Malaya, as well as all the staunch supporters of the national team, to support the national team as we work to improve our FIFA world ranking. The tournament is being played under the FIFA match calendar, and their support is needed.
“We are in our Merdeka month, and this is the right time for us to be patriotic and support the team. If Ultras have any issues, they can always meet with me or other FAM officials to clarify.
“I hope that Ultras will reconsider their agenda and flood the stadium next week,” said Hamidin.
This year’s Merdeka tournament is scheduled to take place from September 4 to 8 at the Bukit Jalil national football stadium.
The tournament will feature Malaysia, Lebanon, the Philippines and defending champions Tajikistan. – August 30, 2024