tags - Sinar Daily

This victory marks Malaysia’s 13th title since the oldest football tournament in Asia was introduced on Aug 31, 1957, with the last title won by the national team in the 2013 edition. - Photo by Bernama

Malaysia's success in reaching the final of the 2024 Merdeka Tournament does not guarantee the return of the national football team’s passionate supporters, Ultras Malaya, to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Sunday. Photo: Facebook

National head coach Pau Marti Vicente gestures during yesterday's match. - Photo by Bernama

The Ultras Malaya supporters’ group decided last month to boycott this year’s Merdeka Tournament due to dissatisfaction with various aspects, including perceived issues with the management of the national team, the shortcomings within FAM and issues in the Malaysian League competition. - Photo by Bernama

The national squad undergoing a national team training session in preparation for the 2024 Pestabola Merdeka at Wisma FAM on Sept 2. - Photo by Bernama

New head coach of the national football team Pau Marti Vicente - BERNAMA FILE PIX

FAM said the national team, which is currently ranked 134th in the world, has the opportunity to improve its FIFA ranking points when it faces the Philippines (ranked 147) in the first match of Pestabola Merdeka 2024 at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil this Wednesday. - Photo by Bernama

Hamidin said in giving Vicente the space to lead the national team, FAM did not close the door to any other coaches who are interested in guiding Malaysia. - Photo by Bernama

Swedish football manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who coached England from 2001 to 2006, died on August 26, 2024 at the age of 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his agent said. (Photo by AFP)

Photo for illustrative purposes only.