FAM deputy president issued show-cause letter over comments against national team

Tan Sri Annuar Musa is prepared to defend himself against charges of violating the FA of Malaysia's disciplinary code over his critical comments against K. Rajagobal's national team earlier this week. 

The FAM deputy president's candid comments on Monday about the poor performances of the national team have  landed him in trouble with FAM's disciplinary board, who will meet on March 29 over the charges against Annuar.

Annuar, who claimed he has yet to be notified officially of the charges, said he gave an honest appraisal of the national team when responding to a journalist's question.

"If someone asks for my opinion, even now, I will give it. I said I am not happy with the level of performance of our national team. To say otherwise would be dishonest.

"It is important for our national team to show continuous improvement and raise the performance to another level. This task is not just mine but for everyone associated with football including FAM.

"So to issue a showcase letter, which I have no knowledge about other than what you are telling me, when I am responding to a question by a journalist, will make us a laughing stock," said Annuar after the Universiti Teknologi Mara Sports Awards ceremony in Shah Alam on Friday.

Earlier on Friday, FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad confirmed a showcause letter had been sent to Annuar, who is also the Kelantan FA president, to explain his comments.

"There has been a violation of statutes and disciplinary code and a show cause letter has been sent to Tan Sri (Annuar) on Friday.

"The disciplinary committee, which is an independent board with no conflicts of interest, will meet on March 29 to hear the charges," Azzuddin told Astro Arena while adding that Annuar has a week to reply.

Annuar said he stands by his comments and will continue to work to improve the level of football in the country.

"The level of football in our country is still very low. There is much to be done by FAM and myself and other interested parties such as the state FAs. We should not feel too proud with what we have achieved," said Annuar in reference to the 2010 AFF Cup title and consecutive Sea Games gold medals.