FAM determined to get rid of corruption in football

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah is ready to work with the police to find ways to rid the game of corruption and match-fixing.

He said the scourge would tarnish the sport’s credibility and Malaysia’s standing if not curbed.

“We will co-operate with the police to combat football bribery,” said Tengku Abdullah yesterday.

He was responding to FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad statement calling on the police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to help tackle the problem.

“I don’t think salaries are the main reason for players accepting bribes because they are paid well,” he said, adding it was unfortunate that players continued to be involved in match-fixing despite repeated warnings.

Tengku Abdullah also wants the state FAs to be given the authority to hire, change or sack foreign players who fail to perform to expectations.

“It would be better to terminate their contracts and channel the money into nurturing our young players,” he said.