Match-fixing scandal widens

WE TOLD YOU SO: A flashback of The Malay Mail’s frontpage report on suspicion of match-fixing by T-Team President’s Cup squad on Nov 17, 2010

PETALING JAYA: Some 31 football players and officials could face heavy suspensions and life bans for match-fixing in 2010 and 2011.

Mailsport learnt 11 players and five officials from the 2010 T-Team President’s Cup squad are among those being investigated for their possible involvement with bookies.

The others are from the MP Muar (four officials, three players) and Penang SDM Navy (four officials, four players) 2011 President’s Cup teams.

The players and officials are temporarily suspended from any football activities until the FA of Malaysia (FAM) Disciplinary Board meets and decides on the status of the players soon.

“We lodged a report with the national body in 2010 and we are pleased FAM has taken the necessary action,” said T-Team secretary Ali Embong.

“We learnt of the match-fixing activities after one of our coaches received a text message from a person claiming that our players were on the take. We immediately informed the authorities about the matter. This serves as a good lesson to the youths.”

The Malay Mail, had in its front page story “SMS to lose” on Nov 17, 2010, revealed a text message purportedly sent out to a T-Team official by a man who identified himself as “Wilson”, alleging players from the President’s Cup team were going to fix the quarterfinal match against Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2010. (see accompanying story).

Ali added the players were dropped by the Terengganu club the following season and the management has introduced religious ceramah (talks) to motivate and educate its young players.

“We hear of young couples throwing babies away, boys turning into Mat Rempit, getting high on drugs and now fixing matches. These youths lack faith and religious values.

“We have since introduced talks and kept a close eye on the players. Most of our President’s Cup players are fresh from school so we’re confident our players are not involved in any unhealthy activity at this point of time.”

FAM recently announced 11 players from the Negri Sembilan President’s Cup team were suspended between one to five years while former head coach Yusarman Yusof was handed a life-ban for match-fixing.

The decision was made by DB after conducting a special meeting in Seremban on Nov 24 and 25 last year.

A circular of the decision was sent to the respective parties on Nov 30 and was highlighted in the FAM exco meeting two weeks ago.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzudin Ahmad did not rule out the possibility of more players and officials facing bans.

This is part of the national body’s on-going effort, together with the Police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, to stem out corruption and match-fixing in the domestic leagues.