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| TSAM during AFC Match in Kota Bharu - Foto by Haniff Omar |
FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has offered to act as a mediator to mend the rift that has developed between the suspended Tan Sri Annuar Musa and the national governing body.
Annuar was banned from football for 30 months after the association's disciplinary committee on Wednesday found him guilty of violating FAM's disciplinary statutes following his outspoken criticism of the national team's progress.
But Annuar, who was stripped of his positions as FAM deputy president and Kelantan FA president, reserved comment when asked if he was agreeable to Tengku Abdullah's offer.
"No comment for now. Thank you," said Annuar yesterday in a reply to a text message from Timesport seeking comment.
Tengku Abdullah was not in the country when Annuar slammed K. Rajagobal's handling of the national team on Mar 11 or when the disciplinary committee met to hear the charges against the former sports minister.
The deputy president said he regretted "the turn of events and as I was overseas while this was taking place, I am not privy to the details of the alleged incident or the hearing.
"However, I do sympathise with the former deputy president as I am sure his remarks were made in the heat of the moment that sometimes overtakes us all. It might be time for us to pursue a review of what might not be in the best interest in the future of football development.
"As such, I offer myself as a mediator to end the impasse and mend any possible rift this unfortunate incident might have created. We must acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Tan Sri Annuar in the development of Malaysian football.
"We must also examine if this decision will dismantle the good work Tan Sri Annuar has put into Kelantan football and if Kelantan FA will suffer its repercussions.
"It is my hope that we can look at the mitigating factors and resolve this amicably for the greater good of Malaysian football," said Tengku Abdullah in a statement released yesterday.
Annuar was also charged with violating a directive issued at a Feb 4 executive committee meeting but Tengku Abdullah said his comment then was advisory rather than an order.
"To clarify, please note that the statement that was made by me on Feb 4 should not be interpreted as a directive but rather an advise to all officials in FAM to respect our constitution and ensure that we adhere to the proper regulations clearly stated," said Tengku Abdullah.
Tengku Abdullah's clarification could pave the way for Annuar's ban to be reduced as Annuar was hit with a six-month ban for the second charge in addition to a two-year suspension for the more serious Article 88 violation, which states only the president or general secretary, or anyone else duly authorised, can issue press statements.
However, Tengku Abdullah added: "I am sure that the committee has thoroughly investigated the charges and meted out the appropriate disciplinary action in a transparent manner and in accordance to FAM statutes.
"I have faith that due process has been followed."
By DEVINDER SINGH | devinder@nst.com.my
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