MALAYSIA FOCUSED ON TASK AT HAND AGAINST LAOS DESPITE FIFA SANCTIONS - CKLAMOVSKI

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian football team, still reeling from FIFA's accusations of forging the documents of seven heritage players, intend to block out the outside noise and focus on on-field matters.

Harimau Malaya head coach Peter Cklamovski stressed that the issue has not had any effect on the team, who are currently in Vientiane for their Group F match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers at the New Laos National Stadium on Thursday (Oct 9).

“What has happened (FIFA sanctions) is beyond our control. There is nothing we can do, so we plan to focus fully on the match against Laos.

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“The players have shown a strong mentality and believe in the football philosophy we have implemented. We also want to continue to inspire Malaysians that this team is capable of creating something special,” he told the pre-match press conference in Vientiane today.

Cklamovski also reminded his men not to underestimate the capability of Laos, who are ranked 185th in the world, compared to Malaysia's 123rd position.

“Laos are a tough team. I want my players to give their full commitment and execute the game plan that has been set.

“Our mission is to win, keep a clean sheet and score as many goals as possible,” he said.

FIFA had earlier suspended the seven heritage players who joined the national team this year after discovering that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) had violated the world governing body's rules in connection with player registration documents. 

In 19 meetings with Laos since 1968, Malaysia have recorded 13 wins, five draws and just one defeat.

-- BERNAMA