The Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) has been suspended due to governmental interference in its affairs, which started with a decision by the authorities to dissolve the association and replace it with a new federation in December 2008.
FIFA's Executive Committee, at its meeting in Rio de Janeiro Tuesday, announced that the suspension applies with immediate effect and its club DPMM will no longer be permitted to play in the Singapore S-League. The suspension will run untill BAFA is reinstalled by the government.
The Executive Committee also supported the creation of a normalisation committee for the Grenada Football Association and an interim committee for the Syrian Football Association. FIFA is also closely monitoring the sutuation of other association, including Iraq, Kuwait, Togo, El Salvador and Peru.
The meeting was chaired by FIFA President, Josef Blatter.
Brian Fernandez conducting the seminar on Saturday at the Pandamaran Sports Complex.
The Selangor League begins 3 October and preparations are into full speed, said Selangor Hockey Association (SHA) Vice President, Kuganeson Poologasingam.
A week before the league begins the Competitions Committee Chaired, by Deputy President Dato' Subahan Kamal successfully organized and carried out the following activities:
1. Technical Office's Seminar Sept 26th at Dewan Kuliah Pandamaran Sports Complex.
The seminar was conducted by MHF Representative, course facilitator/instructor Brian Fernandez. Over 24 people attended the Seminar and 16 of them who are new will be doing their practical during the Selangor League.
The purposes of this seminar was to create uniformity and bring participant on the same page with the latest policy and procedures relating to match management and handling situations. All these will be implements during the Selangor league.
2. Sept 27 morning a fitness test for all the Umpires involved in the League followed by a briefing done by the SHA Umpires Board Chairman, Surjit Singh.
3. Sunday Sept 27 morning and evening the Match Officials Briefing & Team Managers Meeting to trash out any issues and bring all to the same page on running of the league.
The meeting was chaired by Kuganeson Poologasingam and the President Dato' Salamon Salamat was present to do the welcoming and opening speech of these meeting. Also present was Tournament Director T.Paramalingam
A Saudi prince wants to buy half of Liverpool football club in a deal worth up to $560 million.
If the deal goes through, it would mark the latest buy-in by Gulf investors in an English Premier League team.
However, Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is only willing to allow 25 percent of the club to be sold, an executive familiar with the situation said on condition of anonymity
Prince Faisal bin Fahd Abdullah al-Saud (picture), who is chairman of sports investment firm F6, was quoted by the Saudi Al-Riyadh newspaper on Sunday as saying that “we are seeking, at present, to own a 50 percent stake in the club.”
“The value of the transaction, which is nearing resolution, will be between 200 million pounds [$318 million] and 350 million pounds,” the prince said.
The comments come on the heels of an F6 statement released on Saturday that said Prince Faisal had signed a memorandum of understanding with one of Liverpool’s American co-owners, George Gillett Jr., as well as Richard Petty Motorsports. That deal envisions in part setting up sports academies in the kingdom and the broader Gulf region.
The comments by Prince Faisal about acquiring half of Liverpool took the club by surprise.
Hicks, who owns half of 18-time English champion Liverpool with Gillett, is only prepared to sell a 25 percent stake in the club to raise 100 million pounds and was not aware of the prince’s claims, the executive familiar with the situation said.
Hicks has had investment bank Merrill Lynch scouring the Middle East for investors for more than a year to help find funds to reduce the club’s debt and build a new stadium.
Gillett would not be able to act independently of Hicks and sell his 50 percent stake without the permission of the Texan.
Hicks and Gillett have been looking to reduce Liverpool’s 245-million pound debt. They paid off 60 million pounds of the debt when the loan used to buy the club in 2007 expired in July.
If Prince Faisal was to acquire a stake in Liverpool, it would mark the latest investment in football by investors from the oil-rich Gulf region.
Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, bought Manchester City for 210 million pounds. Sulaiman al-Fahim, the Emirati businessman who helped broker the Manchester City takeover for Sheik Mansour, has also taken control of his own Premier League team — Portsmouth. - Agencies.
When the Indonesian Super League decided to adopt the Asian Football Confederation’s “3 plus 2” rule, players from Singapore’s S-League couldn’t jump ship fast enough.
And ISL teams, looking to fill three unrestricted roster places for foreigners and two spots for players from AFC member nations, are doing everything they can to accommodate S-League talent.
The Jakarta Globe reports, the latest Singaporean star to sign with an ISL club is Singapore Armed Forces FC striker Aleksandar Duric (picture, above), also a member of Singapore’s national team.
Reports that the 39-year-old would travel to Palembang, South Sumatra, on Thursday to join Sriwijaya FC were confirmed by the club on Monday.
“We have reached a deal for a one-year contract and Duric will sign the papers in Palembang on Thursday,” said Sriwijaya vice president Hendri Zainuddin. “But he will join us in November after the S-League ends and his contract with SAF expires.”
Yugoslavian-born Duric began his professional career in 1992 with Sloga Pozega and played for 15 clubs, including several in Australia, China and Singapore, before joining Singapore Armed Forces FC in 2005.
He earned Singaporean citizenship in 2006 and made his debut for the national team in 2007.
Duric was the S-League’s 2008 Player of the Year and also its top scorer with 24 goals. He tops the league’s scoring chart for this season with 26 goals, helping SAFFC to lead the standings.
In Sriwijaya he will join compatriot Precious Emuejeraye, a defender. Hendri said that negotiations with Duric and his agent, Rici Nelson, had gone smoothly.
Hendri refused to reveal the exact amount of the deal, but a source close to the club said the striker would earn Rp 1.1 billion ($113,000) for a yearlong contract, plus accommodation and transportation allowances.
Duric’s move is only part of the ongoing influx of players from Singapore to Indonesia.
In the last month, Geylang United’s Baihakki Khaizan and Mustafic Fahrudin of Tampines Rovers have joined Persija Jakarta, while Arema Malang snapped up Tampines duo Noh Alam Shah and Ridhuan Muhamad.
And another ISL club, PSM Makassar, is reportedly trying to sign Sengkang Punggol and Singapore national team striker Indra Sahdan Daud.
Duric’s arrival will end Sriwijaya coach Rahmad Darmawan’s search for foreign players as the club has now used up its quota. Besides Duric and Emuejeraye, the Copa Indonesia champion has two other imports, striker Keith Kayamba Gumbs (St. Kitt & Nevis) and midfielder Zah Rahan (Liberia). And the club is still waiting for the arrival of Nigerian midfielder Richard Anoure Obiora, who has agreed to extend his contract with Sriwijaya.
“Obiora will be here as soon as the administrative requirements, including the Kitas [temporary residence permit] and ITC [international transfer certificate], are complete,” coach Rahmad said. The ISL is scheduled to start its new season on Oct. 11.
Pengasas Persatuan Berbasikal Kuala Lumpur (PBKL) Daud Abu Kassim meminta semua pihak supaya menghormati keputusan Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia (PPSM) yang mengisitiharkan Mesyuarat Agung Tiga Tahun Sekali pada 25 Julai lalu sebagai tidak sah.
"Saya baca di blog Fair Play News dan dapat tahu tentang keputusan tersebut. Saya juga dimaklumkan bahawa pihak PPSM telahpun kirim surat ke pejabat PBKL di Velodrom KL melalui faks dan pos.
"Surat itu, saya difahamkan lagi, mengandungi garis panduan yang perlu dilaksanakan sebelum mesyuarat agung diadakan semula," kata Daud (gambar), Ahli Seumur Hidup PBKL.
Daud lahirkan rasa kecewanya dengan sikap orang-orang seperti Haji Jaafar Sidek yang tidak mempersoalkan kesahihan Notis Mesyuarat Agung bertarikh 10 Julai 2009, yang dikeluarkan tanpa persetujuan majlis.
"Sebagai Naib Pengerusi, dia seharusnya mempersoalkan notis itu, sebaliknya dia bertindak mempengerusikan mesyuarat berkenaan dan seterusnya mengumumkan bahawa mereka yang tidak hadir tetapi dipilih, telah memaklumkan melalui SMS bahwa mereka setuju terima jawatan.
"Saya kecewa dengan Haji Fazin Saad kerana berdolak-dalik atas keterangannya berhubung kait Laporan Kewangan dan Aktiviti Tahunan. Namun semua "ahli segera" yang hadir hanya mengundi dan diundi pada mesyuarat itu," kata Daud lagi.
Menurut Daud, Haji Fazin masih memegang jawatan Setiausaha Persatuan Lumba Basikal Alor Setar, Kedah ketika memangku Setiausaha Kehormat PBKL dari Januari hingga Jun 2009.
Daud seterusnya menasihatkan pihak-pihak yang terlibat supaya mengambil iktibar daripada peristiwa ini dan telah membongkar politik dalaman kotor yang menggadai maruah PBKL.
"Tindakan tergesa-gesa melantik Setiausaha Eksekutif dan Pengurus Velodrom mahukan Setiausaha Kehormat oleh Presiden, Datuk Malik Mydin, sedangkan statusnya sebagai Ahli Segera, amat melucukan."
Daud seterusnya menyeru kepada Ahli-Ahli yang mencintakan PBKL mengembalikan konsep demokrasi dan keharmonian dalam persatuan itu, yang terjalin sejak 1979.
"Saya ucapkan ribuan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada PPSM atas keputusan ini," kata Daud yang kini memegang semula jawatan selaku Timbalan Presiden PBKL.
Malaysian referee Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (picture) and Yuichi Nishimura from Japan are representing Asia at the on-going FIFA U20 World Cup in Egypt.
Subkhiddin’s first match in charge was the Group A clash between Paraguay and Italy on Friday, September 25. Nishimura officiated the United States versus Germany in Group C, the following day.
Both referees are among five AFC officials who are candidates for the FIFA World Cup 2010 finals in South Africa.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) assistant referees in Egypt are Thamon Borikut (Thailand), Heong Hae-sang (Korea Republic), Mu Yuxin (China) and Toru Sagara (Japan).
This is a special year for referees in Asia with AFC designating 2009 as Asian Referees Year. On September 1, Member Associations across the continent marked Asian Referees Day.
The Tri-Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kuala Lumpur Cycling Association (KLCA), held on 25 July 2009, is null and void.
Sports Commissioner, Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusuf (picture) said his office has informed the KLCA of the decision.
"We faxed the letter to KLCA on 16 September and they have confirmed receiving it. Probably the letter which was posted on the same day has not been received yet because of the Hari Raya holidays," said Datuk Nik.
The letter was addressed to the Secretary and send to its registered office at the Kuala Lumpur Velodrome.
Datuk Nik said that KLCA has been informed that the meeting was conducted not in accordance with the constitution and therefore was deem to be null and void.
"We have advised KLCA to call for a fresh AGM and a new election after making necessary correction on the discrepencies identified,'' added Datuk Nik.
Datuk Nik did not elaborate on the discrepencies, but it is obvious that the whole procedure was not in accordance with the KLCA constitution. These include not having a council meeting prior to sending out the notice of the AGM and membership issues.
Because of the manner in which the AGM was called, the KLCA President, Tan Sri Mohamed Noor Rahim resigned.
Its realiably learnt that the "new office bearers" of KLCA led by Datuk Malik Mydin and Executive Secretary, Haji Fazin Saad could not furnish all the documents required by the Sports Commisioners Office.
Among them the minutes of the council meeting that decided on the date and venue of the AGM and also the financial report.
With these decision, the former council, with Deputy President Daud Abu Kassim in charge, would have to take the necessary steps to hold a new AGM and make the necessary corrections, as requested by the Sports Commisioner's office.
Lee Chong Wei was knocked out of the Japan Open Super Series on Thursday. The top ranked Malaysian lost to Indonesia's Simon Santoso 21-19, 15-21, 19-21.
But the news that caught many by surprise was that Chong Wei struggling with a left kee injury. Is it a new injury? Is it because of participating in too many tournaments? The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has to give an explanation on this matter.
“When I took the lead in the final game, I slowed down a little bit, giving him the chance to fight back. But I was patient in the end and able to beat him,” Simon (picture) told the AFP. "Patience was the key to my victory today.”
Simon will next face his compatriot, no. 5 seed Sony Dwi Kuncoro, who clinched a quarterfinal berth by downing China's Chen Long, 21-19, 15-21, 21-14.
Indonesia's Taufik Hidayat also claimed a spot in the quarterfinal by besting Andrew Smith of England, 21-13, 21-14. He will play 6th seed Park Sung Hwan of Korea.
But Adriyanti Firdasari, who upset women’s singles world No. 1 Zhou Mi on Wednesday, lost to unseeded Nicole Grether of Germany, 15-21, 21-19, 27-25.
Former England captain Bryan Robson agreed on Wednesday to become coach of Thailand’s national team in his first foray into international management, the Thai FA chief told reporters in Bangkok.
According to news agencies reports, the former Manchester United midfielder will sign a four-year contract with the Southeast Asian side and will be expected to build a squad capable of reaching the 2014 World Cup finals.
“He’s agreed to become coach, he’s very happy with what we’ve offered him,” Worawi Makudi told reporters. “It’s a four-year deal. The plan is he’ll coach Thailand for the Asian Cup, the Olympics and hopefully the World Cup, too.”
Robson, who played in three World Cups, has managed four English sides but has been without a club since quitting Sheffield United in February last year.
The 52-year-old, who was nicknamed “Captain Marvel” as a player, becomes Thailand’s ninth foreign coach since 1976 and the third ex-England international to take the job after Peter Withe and Peter Reid.
Robson will replace Reid, who parted company with the Thais on Sept. 9 after less than a year in charge. Reid’s lucrative contract was terminated by mutual consent after his request to remain Thailand coach while serving as assistant manager to Tony Pulis at Premier League Stoke City was shot down.
Robson’s first task will be to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar. Thailand is currently third in Group E with two points from its first two games and shares the group lead with Iran, Singapore and Jordan.
He will also be expected to play a role in improving Thailand’s fledgling professional league and developing the grassroots game across the country of 67 million people.
Thailand’s dominance in Southeast Asia has waned in recent years. After winning three of the first four regional championships, Singapore won the 2004 and 2007 tournaments, and Vietnam beat Thailand in the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup final.
During his 13 years at Manchester United, Robson won two league titles, four FA Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup. He was capped 90 times by England.
In addition to Sheffield United, he managed Middlesbrough, Bradford City, West Bromwich Albion.
After serving nine years in FIFA's Development Office in Kuala Lumpur, four of which as its head, Windsor John Paul is moving on to play a bigger role in the development of football.
FIFA, in a letter to the National Associations serviced by the Development Office in Kuala Lumpur, informed that Windsor would be completing his duties on 30 September 2009. He is expected to assist the office in the transition period at least until the end of the year.
Windsor, 48, when contacted did not want to comment on his next move but he is expected to play a prominent role in assisting National Associations to revamp, manage and improve on their domestic leagues and competitions.
It is also learnt that FIFA has offered Windsor, who served as Director of Competitions and Technical of Asean Football Federation (AFF) in 2000 to 2001, a few options to consider so that he can serve football worldwide. Among the likely offers could be as a Consultant or even a more permanent position in Zurich.
However, Windsor would continue his role as General Coordinator for World Cup, Olympics and Youth World Cup.
Windsor playe a crucial role in the revamp of the Chinese Professional League and also the launching of the Myanmar Professional League. He has also done a study on football which as been submited to the Governmant of Thailand.
Most Malaysians, totally fed up with the situation at home, would surely want Windsor to take charge of the domestic competitions and improve the overall structure of football development in the country.
Sources say, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President, Sultan Ahmad Shah has indicated that he wants to meet Windsor soon. Maybe something will come out of that meeting.
Windsor, who has been a FIFA Administration and Management Instructor since 2005, served in FAM in various capacities from 1994 until August 2000 when he moved to AFF (2000-2001) before moving on to FIFA.
Windsor is also in the process of completing a training manual for FIFA.
Now the time has come for Windsor to move on and it is hope Malaysia will take advantage of this and use his expertise.
Meanwhile Jeysing Muthiah will assume to role of acting Development Officer in the Kuala Lumpur office.
FIFA will hold a two-day Medical Conference in Zurich on 17 and 18 October 2009.
Medical staff, but particularly administrators and officials from FIFA member associations worldwide, will enjoy an exceptional introduction to the latest achievements in football medicine and the many benefits for associations, communities, teams and players at all levels of play.
The topics of this conference, organised by the FIFA Medical Committee together with the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC), include the prevention of injuries and sudden cardiac death, fair play from a medical perspective, FIFA’s pioneering Football for Health initiative as well as exactly how to implement football medicine in regional and national programmes all around the globe.
All this will be presented in an easily comprehensible, entertaining way under the guidance of the Chairman of the FIFA Medical Committee and FIFA Executive Committee member, Dr Michel D’Hooghe (picture) and Prof. Jiri Dvorak (FIFA Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of F-MARC) to inspire a non-medical audience.
Among the many speakers will be FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke, Gérard Houiller, former South African international Lucas Radebe and Swedish international referee Martin Hansson.
For more than a decade, F-MARC has been unique in that no other research or education body has had a similar approach to sports (football) medicine.
While most sports scientists and physicians focus on improvement of performance, from the very beginning F-MARC focused on protecting the health of players, injury prevention and improving standards of care. F-MARC also has a philosophy of sharing its knowledge and providing expertise to everyone for the maximum benefit of all players and athletes worldwide.
The Football for Health programme goes beyond the game and those who play it and addresses the major health threats to communities worldwide. - FIFA Media Release.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) plans to privatise the Malaysian League in 2011 if the problems that plagued contending teams continue to persist next year.
This was disclosed by FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad to Bernama. He cited financial woes (staff and players' salaries), drop in the quality of the game and dwindling audience as some of the problems.
But, is that the best move? Privatised to whom ? Sometimes privatization works and an example would be the English Premier League, managed by EPL.
In the case of FAM, the first step would be for the national body to admit that the structure is not working they need expert help to change things. FAM should learn from China and Myanmar.
China was dissapointed when their team faild to make it to the World Cup and thus wanted a revamp of the league and they got experts to help analyse and propose changes which they were very willing to implement.
Last month a team of expert from FIFA conducted a study of the structure, format, management and other aspects of the Chinese Professional League (CPL). The study was facililated by the FIFA Development Office in Kuala Lumpur, situated next to FAM.
The expert met with all the stake holders of the 16 team league and looked at the teams, the difference of pints between teams, structure and also the support leagues as well as the reserve competition.
They look at the rules, qualification of coaches and facilities of each team - to see if they have what iot take to qualify as a professional team. An important area the team analysed in the player development because leagues are supposed to help develop players.
The experts made their proposals and it is learnt that China FA plans to implement them immediately. The team will be doing a second round of assesment in November.
What FAM needs now is for experts ar consultants to make an assesment and make a commitment to carry out the proposals. In fact, the time is right now for the league to be run by a pro-set up, possibly headed by a consultant who reports only to the Executive Committee.
Myanmar also go expert help to and have started a competition as a prelude to officially launhing the Myanmar Professional League next year. Soon Myanmar would a a difficult team to beat.
According to Azzuding, next season will be the FAM's last battle ground to find our way out of the quagmire.
"As a result, we have introduced additional conditions to contending teams," he told Bernama.
Among them, the teams would have to pay a deposit to the FAM and produce proofs of their financial standing that would enable them to compete in the current season and the next one.
Contenders in the Super League have to fork out RM150,000 while that of the Premier League, RM100,000.
Super League contenders must prove that they have RM2.5 million in their accounts while that of the Premier League, RM1.5 million.
"If all conditions are meet and the teams take serious views of the conditions, the future of soccer in Malaysia is bright," he said.
Asked why the FAM had to wait until 2011 to privatise the league, he said it was due to the Malaysian culture.
"Malaysians like to have a dialogue first and only after enough time is given, they will go to the next stage before an action is taken," he said.
Azzuddin called on state affiliates to use the time left to fill up their coffer and take initiatives to beef up their financial standing.
Looks like match-fixing is spreading fast and lawn bowls became the latest sport to be infected by this dangerous virus.
The report, by veteran writer Edward Thangarajah, is about a match-fixing allegation by Canada against New Zealand.
According to the report, published on Sunday, Canada allaged that New Zealanddeliberately lost their match to Thailand at the Asia Pacific Championships in Malaysia last month.
Thailand won the match against New Zealand 17-15.
New Zealand had already qualified for the next stage which is the world championships. But Canada have alleged that the Kiwis lost to gain a more favourable quarter-final draw.
New Zealand led Thailand 15-12 in their last match in section play before conceding five shots over the last two ends. Thailand scored a four on the penultimate end and a single shot on the last.
The report went on to say that while many in Thailand are disappointed, it appears that New Zealand are holding an inquiry into the alleged misconduct based on claims by Canada and the World Bowls.
It is alleged that a men's four, starring two-time world champion player Gary Lawson, deliberately lost the match to Thailand and this has naturally hurt many members of the team too.
Lawson, 43, has been quoted as angrily denied the allegations and has refused to represent New Zealand again. "The bottom line is the allegation of throwing a game, which we totally deny. There were a lot of close games, and as it turned out it made no difference to whether we won or lost. We tried to win the game."
He said he was angry that Bowls New Zealand had conducted an investigation and had now launched judicial proceedings.
"We have been found guilty and now we have to prove our innocence," he said.
China's Lin Dan is better than Malaysia's world number one, Datuk Lee Chong Wei. That is the conclusion of many came to after the semifinals of the China Masters Badminton Super Series in Changzhou, Saturday.
In the Men's Singles semi finals, Lin Dan (picture) won 22-20, 15-21 and 21-7 in one hour and five minutes. With the victory, Lin Dan moves into the final and will play Thailand's, Boonsak Ponsana who created an upset by defeating Chen Jin from China 21-16, 4-21, 21-19.
This is Lin Dan's third victory over Chong Wei in four encounters this year.
Meanwhile, in the men's doubles, third seeded pair Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah were shown the exit by China seventh seeded pair of Guo Zhendong-Xu Chen who won 21-12, 21-19.
"In all my time as FIFA President, I have never seen so many children at the inauguration of a GOAL project," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter in Nongiok, Bangkok Wednesday morning. "It's wonderful and I am overwhelmed."
Nongiok houses the Football Association of Thailand headquarters and a technical centre, with the crowning glory a new football turf pitch. In total, FIFA have contributed $860,000 to the facility.
It was the pitch that was inaugurated this morning in the presence of hundreds of local boys and girls, one of whom was picked from the crowd to demonstrate his skills in a impromptu kick-about with Blatter, Football Association of Thailand (FAT) President Dato Worawi Makudi, and other dignitaries.
When talking about the project, Blatter told the crowd gathered around the pitch: "Sometimes we can get too caught up in talking about football, but football is a game to be played. This fantastic facility can be used 24 hours a day, in all weather, and is something to be treasured and used by the youths of Bangkok."
Last night, Blatter and Makudi met the Thai Prime Minister, His Excellency Abhisit Vejjajiva. FIFA received the backing of the government for a new FAT grassroots football initiative, which is seeking to help develop a larger and more skilled base of youngsters while helping to change the social landscape through the delivery of health promotion and disease prevention.
FIFA, in turn, gave its backing to the 'Tonkla-Archeep' Professional Football Player Programme, which aims to train and create jobs for 500,000 unemployed people and train 3,750 youths or unemployed aged between 15 and 25, helping to hopefully start a professional football career in the Thai League.
In a country with a reputation as the 'Land of Smiles' due to its friendliness and hospitality, it was apt that this was the last image on leaving Nongiok today, as local children practised their skills on the new pitch, hoping perhaps that one day they will perform on the highest stage.- FIFA.com.
"Hari ini genap 53 hari selepas Mesyuarat Agung Tiga Tahun Sekali diadakan dan saya terpanggil untuk mengetahui sejauh mana dokumen-dokumen Maklumat Yang Kena Beri (MYKB) kepada Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia (PPSM) sudah disempurnakan dalam 30 hari, seperti yang disyaratkan"
Begitulah pertanyaan Pengasas Persatuan Berbasikal Kuala Lumpur (PBKL) Daud Abu Kassim kepada kumpulan yang mengadakan mesyuarat itu pada 25 Julai lalu.
"Saya terpanggil untuk mengetahuinya kerana Pekeliling Pesuruhjaya Sukan Bil 1/2008 menyatakan pihak Pesuruhjaya Sukan boleh menggantung atau membatal pendaftaran badan sukan, jika Pesuruhjaya berpuas hati bahawa badan itu gagal berbuat demikian selaras peruntukkan dibawah Seksyen 20 (2) Akta Pembangunan Sukan 1997.
"Hari ini, 16hb September genap 53 hari," kata Daud, yang merupakan Timbalan Presiden PBKL dari 1979 hingga Julai 2009. Beliau menanyakan hal ini dalam surat kepada Haji Fazin Haji Saad (Pemangku Setiausaha Kehormat Januari-Jun 2009) dan Firdaus Haji Arshad (Ahli Majlis 2005-Julai 2009).
Daud yang benar-benar kecewa dengan seluruh peristiwa ini, seterusnya mengingatkan kedua-dua pegawai itu bahawa mereka bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya untuk mengemukakan MYKB berdasarkan fakta-fakta telus dari aspek legalitinya.
Daud seterusnya mendakwa masalah yang melanda PBKL ini berpunca daripada pihak-pihak yang mempuyai agenda peribadi serta dendam yang tersirat selain tekanan yang menyebabkan ketidaktentuan semasa penganjuran Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (SWIP) pada Jun 2009 lalu.
"Mereka ini tersilap langkah dan salah perhitungan gara-gara keghairahan rampas kuasa melalui jalan singkat. Ada pegawai yang baru enam bulan berjinak dalam PBKL dan mengetahui persatuan punyai kewangan kukuh selain kemudahan dari DBKL, MSKL dan MSWP, mendorongnya merancang politiking mengikut emosi semata-mata," tegas Daud.
Tambahnya, lihat sajalah di mesyuarat agung lalu, Fazin dilantik sebagau Setiasuaha Eksekutif dan Pengurus Velodrom tanpa memikirkan bahawa sebilangan Ahli Majlis yang sudah berkhidmat bertahun-tahun masih belum ditawarkan jawatan itu.
"Fazin dilantik sebagai Pengurus/ Jurulatih berelaun pasukan KL dalam persiapan ke SUKMA 2010 di Melaka dan pihak persatuan mendahulukan Rm6,9800 sebagai perbelanjaan latihan pelumba-pelumba terlibat.
"Kemudian kami dapat tahu bahawa Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP) menyumbang sebanyak Rm10,980 dan cek itu sudah diambil pada 13 Ogos lalu tetapi cek itu hingga kini disembunyikan.
"Yang jadi masalah ialah sama ada Mesyuarat Agung lalu sah atau tidak, bukannya bank dan tidak ada sebab untuk sembunyikan cek itu," tegas Daud lagi.
"Harap maklum, persatuan ini ditubuhkan pada tahun 1979 atas nama PLBWP/PLBKL/PBKL dan saya selaku Pengasas dan Ahli Seumur Hidup sudah tentu tidak mahu melihat selepas 30 tahun ianya hancur-lebur disebabkan segelintir orang yang pentingkan diri hingga memecah- belahkan perpaduan dalam sukan berbasikal Wilayah Persekutuan."
Desas-desus usaha melobi dan merayu pihak PPSM supaya diberi kebenaran sementara ke atas Mesyuarat Agung lalu amat memalukan, tambah Daud lagi.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak announced that Malaysia will participate in the FIA Formula One world championship through its own racing team - 1Malaysia F1 Team, starting from 2010.
Datuk Seri Najib said in Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday, that the Formula One federation (FIA) has accepted Malaysia's bid to enter the 2010 and future championships.
The Prime Minister added that the 1Malaysia F1 team was a government and private initiative, combining the collaborative experience of Proton and Lotus.
He said the team was supported by world-class expertise, and backed by the Sepang international circuit, Motorsports Association of Malaysia as well as Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).
The Malaysian F1 team will be based at the Sepang circuit with pit stop staff coming from Malaysia.
"It will be a Malaysia manufactured car," said a proud Datuk Seri Najib, adding that a race to find a suitable Malaysian driver was underway.
According to Malaysiakini, a statement issued during the press release stated that the team will reveal its two drivers by Oct 31. At present, six local and international drivers have been shortlisted for evaluation.
The Prime Minister was also asked on the reason to join the F1 race at the present situation where the global economic outlook was not too good.
To this, Najib said the project was a private initiative and will expose Proton and Lotus to the world stage.
"It will make sure our brands are stronger and recognised by the world. The government's participation in the project was via Proton."
He also refused to reveal the amount of investment put into the project, passing the ball instead to the private parties to reveal the figure.
The companies involved in this initiative include Proton, Air Asia and Naza Motors.
Proton Holdings Bhd chairperson Mohd Nadzmi Mohd Salleh said the project was still at an early stage and as such was unable to reveal the total investment involved and the shareholding structures.
Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Sukan Malaysia (PPSM) telah selesai siasatan terhadap kesahihan Mesyuarat Agung Tiga Tahun Sekali Persatuan Berbasikal Kuala Lumpur (PBKL), yang diadakan pada 25 Julai lalu.
Pesuruhjaya Sukan, Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusuf (gambar) berkata, pihaknya telah menemui kedua-dua pihak terlibat dan siasatan telahpun selesai.
"Saya kira dalam minggu ini kami akan menghantar surat kepada pihak-pihak berkenaan bagi menyampaikan beberapa perkara yang perlu dilakukan segera," kata Datuk Nik ketika ditemui pada Majlis Berbuka Puasa Persatuan Penulis-Penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM), Isnin.
Apabila ditanya sama ada mesyuarat itu sah atau sebaliknya, Datuk Nik sekadar menjawab: "Kes ini clear cut dan kami telah menyiapkan siasatan dan kemukakan surat resmi kepada mereka yang terlibat."
Isu PBKL ini tercetus apabila pihak-pihak tertentu mengadakan mesyuarat agung itu tanpa mengikut prosedur yang ditetapkan dalam perlembagaan PBKL.
Dalam perkembangan lain, PPSM telah meluluskan perlembagaan baru Persekutuan Kebangsaa Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM) baru-baru ini. Ini bererti PKBM diberi lampu hijau bagi mengadakan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunannya untuk memilih exco yang baru.
PERSATUAN Kriket Malaysia (MCA) semakin parah. Minggu lepas naib presidennya, Mahinda Valipuram dan anggota majlis, Gopal Sreneevasan meletakkan jawatan kerana kurang yakin dengan pucuk pimpinan persatuan itu yang diketuai oleh Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar.
Dan dalam mesyuarat majlis Ahad lepas, Presiden MCA Tunku Imran memohon pertimbangan semua ahli majlis agar merayu dua 'orang kuatnya' agar menarik balik peletakan jawatan itu.
Tetapi wakil Johor, Datuk Dr. Harjit Singh dan wakil Negeri Sembilan, Clarence Samuel tidak bersetuju dengan Tunku Imran kerana pada hemat mereka, ketiadaan kedua-dua anggota berkenaan boleh diganti dengan pemimpin lain yang lebih berwibawa dan sanggup bergelumang dengan masalah yang telah menimpa MCA.
MCA menghadapi pelbagai masalah buat masa ini terutama sekali kesempitan kewangan yang banyak membantutkan pergerakan pertubuhan berkenaan. Gelanggang yang dipajak daripada I & P Group Sdn. Bhd., Kinrara Oval juga difahamkan bakal terlepas ke tangan pemiliknya itu kerana telah berhutang bayaran cukai pintu berjumlah melebihi setengah juta ringgit.
Difahamkan daripada sumber terdekat, Tunku Imran mula tidak diyakini sekutu kuatnya, Mahinda dan Gopal Sreneevan. Bagi mereka Tunku Imran hanya boleh bercakap tanpa mendatangkan apa jua manfaat dari sudut kewangan.
Tentunya ketiadaan dua orang kuat itu akan memastikan Tunku Imran tersungkur tanpa sekutu yang boleh dipercayai dalam kabinet MCA.
''Nampaknya buat masa sekarang Tunku mungkin mengikat persefahaman secara rahsia dengan pegawai-pegawai Kriket Melayu yang teguh baik dalam segi kepimpinan dan kewangan.
''Tetapi saya tidak nampak Kriket Melayu bersedia untuk bersahabat dengan Tunku kerana anak raja Negeri Sembilan ini dilihat sebagai liabiliti kepada mereka tanpa apa-apa faedah untuk masa depan kriket.
Malaysia used to be among the top three in the world in squash but now the sport seems to have hit quick sand and is fast sinking, said an official yesterday.
According to the official, Squash Raquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) seem to have no crteditable juniors in their programs.
Yesterday, world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David lost to Madeline Perry from Ireland 11-6, 14-12, 13-15, 5-11 and 8-11 in the quater finals of the British Open.
"Their General Manager, Peter Chee (picture) has also resigned," said the official who was sad to see SRAM, an association which many envied, now joining the likes of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) which are in a miserable state.
The reasons for Chee resignation is not known yet but it is believed to be due to some difficulties in his relationship with certain personalities in SRAM.
Interesting things are happening in Indonesian soccer.
Almost 27 years after Fandi Ahmad and David Lee became the first Singaporeans to play in Indonesia, a new Singapore influx looks set to start, reports on-line news portal, the Jakarta Globe..
Fandi, who now coaches Pelita Jaya, and Lee came to Surabaya, East Java, in 1982 to play for Niac Mitra in the former semi-professional Galatama, helping the club win the league title.
They left after the 1983 season as the Indonesian Football Association banned foreigners from playing in the country, but bringing in talent from Singapore’s S-League is now all the rage among Indonesian Super League clubs.
On the heels of striker Noh Alam Shah moving from Tampines Rovers to Arema Malang, Woodlands Wellington defender Precious Emuejeraye (picture) signed with Sriwijaya FC on Wednesday.
“[Woodlands] knows about this signing and have agreed to release Precious to Sriwijaya after his contract ends on November,” said Onana Jules, the player’s agent, on Thursday.
The 26-year-old is the first Asian player to sign for Sriwijaya, and coach Rahmad Darmawan has no problem with waiting.
“It’s hard to find Asian players, so it’s worth the wait. The ISL will start on Oct. 11, so I think he won’t miss much and, as a professional, I’m sure he could easily blend in with his new teammates,” Rahmad said.
Details of the transfer were undisclosed, but Indonesian media reported the defender would earn about Rp 1.3 billion per year.
Emuejeraye initially came to Singapore in 2002 to play for now-defunct Jurong FC. He moved to Young Lions after Jurong folded, and three years later he transferred to Gombak United before moving to Woodlands in 2008.
Emuejeraye, born in Nigeria, took Singaporean citizenship in 2005 and made his national team debut on Jan. 26, 2006.
“I’ve been playing in the S-League for seven years, and I think now it’s the right time to try something new, he told state-run news agency Antara. “Sriwijaya is a big Indonesian club, and they have won the domestic league and cups, so playing here will be a great challenge for me.”
Alam Shah and Emuejeraye could just be the start of a larger influx of talent from the S-League. Singapore internationals Baihakki Khaizan and Mustafic Fahrudin have been linked with moves to Arema and Persija Jakarta in the past few weeks.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) may see some changes in its leadership some time next year.
Officials familiar with the on-goings in football say there are clear signs which indicate that long serving President, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (picture) may step aside during or before the national body's Tri-Annual General Meeting sometime next year.
Sultan Ahmad Shah, 79, has been the President since 1984 and many credit him for bringing financial stability to the association. Under Tuanku's leadsership the national league went from amateur to semi-pro and now fully professional.
However, many are not happy with the performance of the national team and some have even called for Tuanku to resign.
But Tuanku made it clearf that he would not walk away from his responsibility and commitment to see football continue to be the number one sport in the country.
Many officials confirmed that lately there has been hints and signals that Tuanku maybe ready to step aside and hand over the leadership to a leader who is passionate about football and would bring soccer to new heights.
According to these officials, the new President is linely to be Tuanku's son, Tengku Makhota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah whose is currently the Vice President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Tengku Abdullah is the President of Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) but his term would, coincidently, end sometime in the middle of next year.
Tengku Abdullah, 50, is expected not to defend his post as MHF President, a post he won unopposed last year. Tengku Abdullah had really wanted to help hockey but apparently some officials were not willing to change from their old ways.
Tengku Abdullah was the Deputy President of FAM but he resigned in May 2007 after being dissapointed with the performances of the national team.
The year 2010 may also see other new faces coming into FAM. The affiliates are said to be ready to see changes in the national set up.
According to officials, there is a possibility Windsor John Paul might be part of Tengku Makhota's management team. Windsor, currently FIFA's Development Officer who oversee projects in 21 Asian countries, maybe roped in as a Director of Operations and Development.
According to officials again, the winds of change are already blowing and the next few months would be interesting.
Muhyiddin (right) chairing the Cabinet Committee For Sports meeting in Putrajaya, Tuesday.
The Cabinet Committee for Sports wants a new National Sports Policy (NSP) that will complement the current economic and social development in the country.
In its first meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Tuesday, the committee gave a clear signal that change is on the way and the first step was a review of the exisisting NSP.
"An improvised version of the NSP will be presented to the Cabinet soon. We want to make sports a culture and industry in Malaysia. Under the new policy, sports will be promoted extensively. We want to repackage sports to make it more attractive to the public," said Muhyiddin.
In principle, the new policy is to promote a sporting culture, enhance social integration and also create economic opportunities through sports.
To make sports more attractive, changes will have to take place soon, and if the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee was an indication, we can see some drastic changes coming in the near future.
Muhyiddin added that the committee will also propose to the Cabinet to review the Institutions of Higher Learning Policy to give more flexibility to athletes to complete their studies.
"We want to produce thinking athletes by creating more flexibility for them to complete their degree programmes. Our vision is to have 30 per cent of our national athletes studying in public universities," said Muhyiddin, who confirmed that the Asia University Sports Council will also be set up in Kuala Lumpur soon.
Meanwhile, the government has allocated a RM16 million budget to prepare 19 athletes from four sports -- badminton, archery, cycling and diving -- for the 2012 London Olympics. The budget will cover all preparation for these athletes ahead of the Olympics which includes exposure, coaching, conditioning and scientific elements.
Muhyiddin Yassin said these athletes will be given full support by the government to prepare for the Olympics.
The athletes under the 'Road To London' programme are World No 1 Lee Chong Wei, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Fairuzizuan Tazari-Zakry Latif, Wong Mew Choo, Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui (badminton), Cheng Chu Sian, Marbawi Sulaiman, Wan Khalmizam Wan Abd Aziz, Nazrin Aizat Abd Rahim (archery), Azizul Hasni Awang, Rizal Tisin, Josiah Ng, Junaidi Nasir, Edrus Yunus (cycling), Leong Mun Yee and Pandelela Rinong (diving).
Diving was recently added into the programme after Mun Yee-Pandelela won the 10-metre platform synchronised bronze medal in the World Championships in Rome, two months ago.
Indonesia has produced many top badminton players and they were all household names in Malaysia. And, they are still producing top players and highly capable coaches.
Indonesia also had some great coaches and trainers who accompany the national team to major championships. In the 70s and 80s, one name which became a familiar name in the circuit was Tahir Djide (picture), who always sat quitely and watched his players fight it out in the courts.
Pak Tahir was a familiar face in Stadium Negara until the early 90s.
On Friday (4 Sept), Professor Tahir Djide passed away at the Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung. According to Kompas.com, Tahir died of lung cancer. He was 70.
He was the head of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) in Bandung and has been a physical trainer attached to the Indonesia national badminton for almost two decades.
"Pak Tahir was a father to me. He knows me better that my own father does," said Indonesian badminton legend, Liem Siew King, 53, who was trained by Tahir Djide.
The following is a very interesting conversation between two passionate sports followers. This conversation, if anyone wants to know, was in the autmn of 2009.
CW: Hey friend, I heard about plans to set up a OCM (Olympic Council of Malaysia) Academy. I wonder what that is and it sound very noble and nice to hear. Don't you think so?
SK: Well, I also heard about it, but I am not sure .......
CW: Not sure? What do you mean?
SK: Well, let's not forget that there are some people who are not so noble around. Its sounds good, but it could be a move to close down the NOA (National Olympic Academy) that has been doing a wonderful job under the leadership of Mr. Chua Ah Tok.
CW: Are you sure? Yes, I heard about some anger towards Mr. Chua and some others after the last OCM elections. You mean this is about vengeance? I thought Olympism stresses on respect towards others.
SK: Like I said I am not sure. This could a new thing that would stand by it self and some people maybe hoping that after six months or so people will forget NOA and Mr. Chua. Anyway, I know of people who were dead against the NOA for bringing participants from 17 countries.
CW: What else did you hear?
SK: The plan, from what I heard, was to get a Vice President to head this academy. Since this is about education I presume the choice would be between Prof Datuk Zakaria Ahmad and Prof Datuk W.Y.Chin.
CW: No lah. My friends told me it could be Datuk A. Sani Karim.
SK: Anyway, I think we will soon find out. I do not know if we can read about in any of our local media but I am sure we can find out something maybe on Tuesday.
CW: Will this be discussed at the board? I hope they will discuss it throughly and make a wise decision. A training and development academy is surely good, but it must not be a tool to destroy something you hate. Anyway, why is there hatred in sports?
SK: Yes, I hope it will be discussed a good decision be made. I hope the chair would listen to all views, not just from people who shout at meetings.
CW: Well, I hope so to. I was excited to read about future leaders who are ready to make their mark in sports.
SK: Well CW, lets hope for the best. Too much of nonsense has spoiled sports.
The time has come for major changes to take place in the local sports scene. These changes has to begin with the leadership, and it has to happen soon. Only an overall change in leadership would bring a new passion to bring sports to greater heights.
Lately we have seen the emergence of a new generation of sports leaders making their mark in their respective fields. They are the future administrators of Malaysian sports.
Besides them being in "influential" positions in their respective sports, they should by now be part of the planning and management of sports in this country.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the other agencies should, by now, start bringing them in to help bring proper focus into the various existing programs, and to chart a new course for sports.
Here are some of the new generation sports leaders.
LOW BENG CHOO, 51, is well known in International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and other organizations. She plays an active in Women and Sports Committees of both international body.
As Deputy Secretary General of International Softball Federation (ISF), Beng Choo has been in the lead to promote the game and also to get it back into the Olympic program. In the local scene she is the President of Softball Association of Malaysia (SAM).
The former national netball player has a good relationship with the government and has been a member of the Sports Advisory Panel to the Minister of Youth and Sports since 2004.
Ms Low, a private law practictioner since 1983, is now seen as a future leader to lead the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM). She's currently its Vice President.
WINDSOR JOHN PAUL, 48, has been the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) Development Officer since 2005. The world body recognizes his administrative and organizational skills and have appointed him as World Cup General Coordinator since 1998 and Olympics since 2004.
Windsor (picture) has been a FIFA Administration and Management Instructor since 2005 and has been awarded FAM's Advance Coaching Award (1991). He also attended the Olympic Solidarity Course (1993) and Asian Football Secretary Course (1996).
After a 11 year spell as a teacher, Windsor joined Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) as its Youth Department Officer in 1994. From then on he worked in different areas - Head of Research and Development (FAM), Director of Competitions and Technical (Asean) and Technical Assistant FIFA Development Office in Kuala Lumpur.
A graduate in Corporate Communications, Windsor is expected to be the General Coordinator at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. He would be a great asset for sports, especially football.
ANTONY LEE FOOK WENG, 40, has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of AIG Global Services (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd since March 2005. The company was set up in 1998 as a joint venture between AIG and Software International.
The son of the late Tan Sri Alex Lee, Antony (picture) graduated from University College in London with a Bachelor of Science and, in addition, Diploma in Architecture from the same institution.
Antony, who was elected Vice President of Womens' International Squash Players Association (WISPA on 8 August and has been on the board of WISPA since 2007, is actively involved in raising the profile of the game worldwide.
He was the Vice President of Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) from 2004-2006 and the Chairman of Federal Territory Squash Association (2005-2006).
Antony was also the manager of the national team to the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and was instrumental in organizing the inaugural KL Open Championship at the Berjaya Times Square.
In addition, he served as a member of Malaysian Golf Association's National Handicap System Sub- Committee from 2004-2007. He was involved in the OCM's Tan Sri Alex Lee Athlete's Education Fund committee since 2002.
ROSMANIZAM ABDULLAH (picture), born on 25 May 1960 di Kota Bharu, Kelantan, is the Assistant Editor of Utusan Malaysia. He is the Assistant Treasurer of OCM, Secretary General of Malay Cricket Association of Malaysia (MCAM) and the Vice President of Kelantan Cricket Association (KCA).
Rosmanizam was instrumental in setting up the MCAM and also bringing in Almarhum Tuanku Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman as its president in 1994. Almarhum Tuanku Ja'afar held the post until 27 December 2008.
He was instrumental in guiding the Malay Cricket team which became the national champion and also to introduce the sport into kampungs all over the country.
The Malay Cricket;s development program involved all races and now they have Training Centres all over the country. In fact, the national age group teams are all products of Malay Cricket programs.
Almost half of the national team now consists of players who came up through Malay Cricket's developments programs in the villages. The Malay Cricket Association won the Best Development Program for Asia in 2004.
Rosmanizam was instrumental ini getting the public to know Cricket and also to get many new people to be involved in the sports. For his efforts he was awarded the Anugerah Kepimpinan Sukan Negara in 2004.
In April 2004, the Bayuemas Oval, a new international cricket ground, began operations. The ground was granted the One day International status by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the first in South East Asia. The oval is now home to houses the Tuanku Ja'afar Malay Cricket Academy.
Rosmanizam's other contributions to sports include the re-formation of the Malacca Cycling Association in 1980. He held the post of secretary untill 1985 and during the period he was a council member of the national cycling federation.
In the field of journalism, he was the treasurer of National Union of Journalists (NUJ) (1986-88), Board Member of Confederation of ASEAN Journalists (1987-88), secretary of Koperasi NST (1988-91) and Financial Secretary of Sports writers association of Malaysia (1998-2001).
Many officials feel that Rosmanizam would be a good choice for the post of OCM Secretary.
RAMESH LACHMANAN, 38, is a newcomer in the international scene but his leadership qualities have caught the eyes of International Rugby Board (IRB) and Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU). He worked closely with the two bodies in successfully getting rugby into the 2016 Olympic program.
He has been closely associated with the sport since his school days in Klang High School. He played for his school, district, state and nation from 1988 to 2005.
The Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) Secretary, a lawyer by profession, has the ambition to see rugby played professionally in our nation.
With the emergence of this New Generation Leaders, the older group others should move aside. Your services would surely be appreciated. I believe the movers in OCM would be more than willing to put your names and photographs in their Hall of Fame.
