"Mole" causes suspensions

A TICKING time bomb waiting to go off. That best describes the situation leading to the suspension of the entire coaching staff of the national Under-21 team by the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

It is learnt that chief coach Azraai Khor, assistant coach Azman Eusoff and goalkeeper coach P. Mohana Sundram were at loggerheads during the team's three-month stint in Slovakia.

FAM relieved the trio of their duties on Tuesday after the under-21 team resumed training about a week ago after returning from Slovakia on June 1.

It is believed that a "mole" in the team had complained to FAM about training issues, which led to the trio's suspensions.

Azraai, in a posting on Facebook, said he accepted the FAM decision. "I cannot comment any further," said Azraai.

The FAM technical committee will decide on the three coaches next Wednesday.

"As for now, I cannot comment on this issue," said FAM general secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad yesterday.

Asked whether FAM would get replacements for the three coaches, Azzuddin said the technical committee will look into the matter. An inquiry is also likely to be conducted.

As an interim measure, K. Rajagobal will coach the national under-21 team until all issues are resolved.

"Rajagobal has agreed to supervise the team for the time being," said Azzuddin. That makes Rajagobal the head coach of three national teams -- senior, Under-23 and Under-21. -NST.