KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has ruled that national players Dominic Tan and Sergio Aguero will not be permitted to feature in the Asean All Stars side set to face Manchester United at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on May 28.
The decision comes as head coach Peter Cklamovski prepares for a high-stakes AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10, with both players expected to be key figures in the national squad.
However, FAM is working to ensure Malaysia remains represented in the Asean All Stars line-up, offering up three locally-born players for the high-profile friendly.
Speaking at a Hari Raya open house event today, FAM president Datuk Joehari Mohd Ayub said the governing body had also proposed two naturalised or heritage players for inclusion in the regional squad, which will be coached by Vietnam’s Kim Sang-sik.
“The Asean Football Federation requested three national players who were available to play, but as it coincided with our national team’s preparations for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, only one player was released,” said Joehari.
“FAM has since suggested five other names as replacements. These players also have national team experience, including the likes of Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee.”
Dominic and Aguero were originally selected for the squad alongside Perak FC goalkeeper Muhammad Haziq Nadzli. It is understood that Haziq is still likely to feature in the All Stars line-up.
So far, the AFF has announced 17 players from across the region for the friendly match, which marks Manchester United’s return to Malaysia after 16 years.
Excitement around the fixture has been growing, with nearly 45,000 tickets reportedly snapped up as of last Friday.
The 13-time Premier League champions last played in Malaysia during their 2009 pre-season tour, recording back-to-back wins over a Malaysia XI with scorelines of 3-2 and 2-0 at the same Bukit Jalil venue. — April 23, 2025