FIFA scandal demands full verification to cleanse national image - Expert
'In my view, Harimau Malaya should have always focused on strengthening local players rather than using various methods, including introducing heritage or mixed-blood players, just to enhance the image of national football.'
SHAH ALAM – Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Teo Kok Seong has called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to verify the authenticity of all documents related to the registration of Harimau Malaya’s seven heritage players, following FIFA’s shocking revelations.
Teo, the Principal Fellow at UKM’s Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita), stated that the confirmation was necessary to restore Malaysia’s reputation as a sovereign nation, which had been tarnished by the controversy surrounding the players’ ancestral claims.
He described that the issue of heritage and mixed-blood players needed to be addressed transparently to prevent negative perceptions both locally and internationally.
“In my view, Harimau Malaya should have always focused on strengthening local players rather than using various methods, including introducing heritage or mixed-blood players, just to enhance the image of national football.
“The current issue not only raises doubts among international football fans but also among Malaysian supporters, because all these heritage players come from countries that are somewhat foreign to us and our diplomatic relations with those countries can also be questioned.
“So to me, this controversy, which has tainted Malaysia’s image as a sovereign nation, should serve as a lesson to all parties, especially FAM,” he said.
Teo believes that national football fans would find greater satisfaction in supporting home-grown players rather than relying on those with foreign roots.
He feels that even when the team wins, many supporters remain unconvinced, as the victories come through heritage players instead of true local talents.
Teo stressed that the lasting success of Malaysian football depends on developing local athletes who genuinely represent national pride.
“If we want to become champions in any field, including football, we must train and nurture local players, whose fighting spirit for the country cannot be denied,” he added.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
