MTBC REPLIES

Pointing fingers is not going to absolve you from the sin of your putting into publication false and unverified news.

Further the truth of the matter is, you never asked if there was going to be a contest for the deputy Presidency and yet you went forth and splashed a non existent contest putting our congress and the 'contestants' who are good friends in a bad light.

Your oblique retraction later, the second time in about a week, only endorses my press release that you are given to going to print with matters not verified,

My advice to you is to always submit to your editors articles which have been verified by the relevant authorities so as not to betray the trust your superiors have in you and not to put the association or its officers in bad light as you have done the past few days

This will be my last response on this matter.

sidney tung

sec gen mtbc

cc president and council members of mtbc.

FAM DEPUTY PRESIDENT AS A TAXI DRIVER

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GOMO KELATE GOMO

Kedah's dreams of defending their Malaysia Cup title are fast fading after failing to collect any points when they lost 0-1 to Kelantan at the Sultan Muhammed IV Stadium in Kota Baharu on Tuesday's night.Indra Putra Mahayuddin's clinical finishing in the 49th minute was good enough for Kelantan to take the lead in Group E with six points from two wins.

Kedah only have one point which they earned from their draw with Armed Forces (ATM) in their opening match on Saturday.In the other Group E match tonight, ATM and Penang played to a 1-1 draw at the Selayang Satdium.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan, who are in Group B, gave Sarawak a 8-0 hiding at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi with Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak earning himself a hattrick with goals in the 57th,59th and 64th minutes.Idris Karim contributed two goals (67th, 80th) while one goal each were provided by S.Kunalan (27th), Mohd Syukor Adan (50th) and Halim Zainal (71st) to take the team to the top of the group with six points after two games.Close on their heels are Terengganu who have also collected six points.

Tonight the easterners defeated Johor 2-0 at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu with the goals supplied by Mohd Muhaimim Omar (5th) and Khairul Irwan Khalid (22th).

In Group D, Red Giants Selangor defeated police 3-0 at the Shah Alam Stadium with the goals provided by Amirulhadi Zainal (17th), Mohd Safee Sali (38th) and Mohd Amri Yahyah (89th).

ENGLISH DAILY & MTBC TUSSLE

It seems like MTBC has got themselve into a tussle with a main stream media, and the best part is, the journalist forwarded the e-mail to all the media contacts in his e-mail list. Maybe Sidney Tung should clarify the matter or there were some truth to the story written regards to the AGM that was held recently AGM. MTBC is one of the best organised and administered association in the country and very successful as well, it will be interesting to see the outcome.


MTBC PRESS RELEASE

We refer to an article in an English daily claiming that there will be a contest for the seat of the Deputy Presidency of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress. This is not true. There is only one nomination for the Deputy Presidency as of the cut off date. The said national daily's publication that there would be a contest is misleading. It imputes that there is politics within our Association which is far from the truth. Our Association has been known for decades as being apolitical and we as an association proudly attest to it.

SIDNEY TUNG
Secretary General

THE JOURNALIST REPLIED : Dear Mr sidney...It's all your fault..... I asked you a simple question two days ago on the elections and you brushed me off.I have lost all my respect for you.. I'm forwarding my reply to all media reps Thank You for your kind concern....

NICOL WINS FOURTH WORLD TITLE

Malaysia's squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David sealed her fourth successive Women's World Open title after defeating host nation's favourite, Natalie Grinham.Natalie, the second-seeded from Australia, changed her nationality in 2008 after being based in Amsterdam for several years and married to former Dutch number one, Tommy Berden.

According to the tournament's official website, www.womenworldopen.com, Nicol was down to Natalie 3-11 in the first set in today's final which was held at the glass court of the Frans Otten Stadion in Amsterdam.

However, Nicol regained her winning stroke in the remaining sets and sealed the game with 11-6, 11-3 and 11-8.It was their second meet at the world open. In 2006 when the championship was held in Belfast, Ireland, Nicol survived a 98-minute marathon final against Natalie.-- BERNAMA

NOT IMPRESSIVE ...

Favourite teams Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan and Perlis began their Malaysia Cup campaign by winning their matches Saturday night.In Group D, Selangor collected three points after beating Sabah 1-0 at Kompleks Sukan Tawau.

The only goal was scored by Mohd Safee Sali (26th min).Selangor, the FA Cup and Super League champions had to share top spot with PDRM which beat Kuala Muda NAZA 1-0 at Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang.Malaysia Cup holders Kedah only managed a 1-1 draw with Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in a Group E match at Stadium Darulaman, Alor Setar.

Kedah opened scoring when Farizal Abu Bakar scored in the 6th min while ATM equalised via M.Chandrasekar in the 78th min.In other matches, Kelantan beat Penang 2-1 at Stadium Batu Kawan, Penang while Negeri Sembilan beat Johor 2-1 at Stadium Tan Sri Hassan Yunos, Johor Baharu.

In Group B, Terengganu beat Sarawak 1-0 at Stadium Sarawak while Perlis beat Melaka 2-0 at Stadium Hang Tuah, Melaka while Pahang and KL Plus drew 1-1 at Stadium Darul Makmur, Kuantan.Johor FC and Perak topped Group C after they won 1-0 against Kuala Lumpur and UPB-MyTEAM respectively.

PETRONAS TO FUEL FI MALAYSIA

As widely expected, the 1 Malaysia F1 team has started sponsorship talks with national oil company Petronas apart from looking into jointly developing a line of engine oils and lubricants.
Team principal Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes confirmed this although stressing that the motor racing team called Lotus F1 by the FIA remains a private venture.

“We would love Petronas to sponsor us,” Fernandes told reporters at the sidelines of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix.

The aviation tycoon who turned around Air Asia into a successful budget airline has hit back at critics of his Lotus F1 Team project saying that and it will be privately funded and there will be no government equity involved nor any government funding.

He stressed that any government support will come in the form of Petronas sponsorship, and a deal with government controlled automaker Proton to license its Lotus brand. The ownership of the team is currently divided between Fernandes and SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, the 26 year old second son of the late Naza group founder Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin.

A third investor, Litespeed UK is also expected to take a stake in the team. Fernandes claimed that the team will be profitable but declined to discuss revenue projections.

He is confident of substantial sponsorship support from the United Kingdom as the Lotus brand is particularly strong there and also expects strong sales from merchandising and a share of the profit from F1.

“There is one F1 brand that sells £150 million worth of T-shirts . We’re monetising the Lotus brand. It is one of the greatest racing brands and nothing invokes the same emotion apart from Ferrari,” Fernandes said.

He added that there will be social returns as the project will encourage Malaysians to think bigger and that not enough recognition was given to the fact that the team managed to secure a place in the prestigious F1 competition.

“Getting a place in F1 is like Malaysia getting a place in the last eight of the World Cup,” said Mike Gascoyne, the team’s technical director who had previously worked for Jordan, Renault, Toyota and Force India.

Fernandes disclosed that he has so far put in about £20 million (RM116 million) of his own money into the project. SM Nasarudin also said he has committed “millions” but declined to disclose actual amounts.

The team has said that it will start with RM168 million in capital and an annual budget of RM308 million.

The license deal with Proton will not involve cash transactions but will ba a “barter” trade - technology and exposure in exchange for use of the Lotus brand name.

Fernandes remained unfazed about other teams with far bigger budgets and remained realistic about the team’s chances as the business plan was designed to take into account the team could come in last.

He said expectations are that the team will finish ninth or tenth initially but moving up to the middle of the pack after about six months.

“Our target is to be the best of the new teams,” he said. “It is not about money. Air Asia had no money but we built a global brand.”

Gascoyne said he is confident of Lotus F1’s prospects as he has succeeded on putting his previous teams on the podium within 20 races.

Fernandes however acknowledged the chances of failure but said that he does not want to wake up one day and regret not taking the risk.“If it fails, yes I will pull the plug but I don’t want to wake up at age 55 and regret that I should have done it,” he added.

The former music industry executive also believed that Lotus F1 will eventually become an ASEAN project and has already started recruiting staff from Thailand for the 225 employees he needs to run the team.

As for other Malaysian sponsors, Fernandes said he is keen to talk to Malaysia Airlines and the Genting group.

FOREIGN DRIVER FOR MALAYSIA F1 TEAM

Malaysia's 1Malaysia F1 Team for the 2010 season is likely to feature a driver with vast F1 experience to lead the charge, so, a homegrown talent to spearhead the Lotus F1 Team in the debut season next year is unlikely to happen.

Not until the chosen one is ready to enter the big league and compete with the big boys of F1, according to Lotus F1 Team Principal, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.So for now, the search is on for a driver with the experience; the temperament and the proven skills to carry the Malaysian flag next season.And probably that's why Fernandes is here for the Singapore F1 Grand Prix to seek out and maybe finalise a deal to bring a proven F1 name on board.

People like Kimi Raikonen of the Ferrari team and former world champion Fernando Alonso of the Renault Team, last year's Singapore GP winner, are said to be the team's target.Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore GP at the Marina Circuit here today, Fernandes said that the team is in F1 not to finish last."We want to prove that we can compete with the rest of the newcomers in F1 from the very start and by the middle of the season, we hope to be positioned right in the middle of the pack.

But three to five years down the road, hopefully we can be among the best."Of course there is no gurantee in F1 but we dare to dream and that's very important. Naturally we want to have a Malaysian driver behind the wheels but until he is ready we are not going to throw him into the deep end. Like what happened to Alex Yoong," said Fernandes.

Yoong was the first Malaysian in F1 with Team Minardi in the late nineties but he never really made an impact.But there is talk that Fairuz Fauzy, who drives in GP 2 and Jazeman Jaafar, the Formula BMW Asia champion are being considered for the second driver's spot.Fernandes added that the Lotus F1 Team car with it's Cosworth engine is now being developed at it's base in Norfolk, United Kingdom and should be ready to roll by the second week of February and would be brought back to the Sepang circuit for testing.-- BERNAMA

THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE A RETURN

This story was written, when I was still with New Straits Times. Tengku Abdullah was brave enough to quit, now that Sultan Ahmad Shah has indicated to loose cannon read here that he would quit end of next year, it is probably the time for Tengku Abdullah to make a return. But the AFC Vice President needs to move with a new set of team if he wants to make any changes to Malaysian Football.

Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said he decided to quit as deputy president of the FAM after considering the need for "new people" to replace him.Denying it had anything to do with the atrocious performance of the national team at the Asian Cup tournament, Tengku Abdullah said he had voiced his intention to step down since last year.

However, he hinted that negative public feedback on the declining standard of Malaysian football had, to a certain extent, influenced his decision."I have been with FAM for so long and feel that it’s time for new people (to take over)."I am also receptive and understand the views from all quarters such as those voiced by the fans, supporters and critics.

I have done my level best under the circumstances."Tengku Abdullah was met after launching the state-level World Blood Donor Day celebrations at Indera Mahkota here yesterday."I would like to thank everybody.

I think I had done enough (for Malaysian football) and now want to concentrate on something else."His advice to the existing FAM officials and those who are to join them in future was for them to show full commitment towards improving the standard of Malaysian football."I do admit that time constraint was a factor which had prevented me from fully devoting myself (to the FAM)."

Tengku Abdullah ruled out the possibility of him making a U-turn over his resignation even if FAM officials pleaded with him."There is no need for anyone to coax me. They should instead concentrate on finding my replacement. I do not want any drama. Just let me spend some time on my own without having to talk about football."

Tengku Abdullah said he was still willing to assist FAM in the future if the association felt his views were needed."But if possible, I do not want to make any more public comment (on football). I have spent 23 years, which is almost half of my life, with football and I think that is enough."

WINDSOR LEAVES FIFA GOAL

FIFA Development Officer Windsor John tendered his resignation last Friday. It is learnt that FIFA has accepted his resignation .Windsor took over the development office from Datuk Sri Paul Mony Samuel in 2004. Since then the FIFA DO office is known for its top notch workforce and efficiency in the FIFA family.

While news has spread to member countries, It is also learnt that FAM President Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah might meet Windsor over the football development matters in the country.

Windsor tagged as "EXPERT" in football matters in Asia, is also a perfect candidate to be hired as the CEO for the new Malaysian League which is expected to kick-off in 2011.

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 played 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.

"The FAM President feels it will be worthwhile to use Windors expertise after serving the World Body for the last 6 years, I think he will be an asset for the country in terms of organization and development." said a well known football official.

Jerome Valcke, FIFA General Secretary sent a letter to all member associations regards Windsor resignation, former FAM Head of Research Development Jeysing Muthiah with be the acting FIFA Development Officer, untill a new appointment is made.

FAM should use the services of Windsor since he is available now, while some will look at him as a threat, but then again what is important is that football in the country improves. Football should be the only agenda.

SATHIANATHAN TO COACH RED WARRIORS

FORMER National Coach B.Sathianathan has been offered a contract to coach Kelantan who are also known as "Red Warriors". It is learnt that KAFA President Tan Sri Annuar Musa has been talking to Sathianathan who lead Malaysia to a back to back Merdeka Tournament finals and winning one in 2007.

Peter Butler has stepped down as Kelantan coach in a sudden move that has dealt a severe blow to the side’s Malaysia Cup hopes. Butler opted to resign due to personal reasons, though his contract was up for renewal in November in any case.

It is learnt from realiable sources that he has accepted a coaching job with Yangon United. If Sathianathan accepts the contract given his first job would be leading Kelantan in their Malaysia Cup campaign this Saturday.

AFC FUTSAL DRAW

The National futsal squad can look forward to a fruitful outing in the AFC Cup Futsal championship in Uzbekistan next May, after a favourable draw.According to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) website, Malaysia who are in the Asean zone, have been drawn in Group B with Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines while Group A comprises Australia, Indonesia, Brunei and Myanmar.

The top two teams in Group A and B, qualify for the semi-finals of the Asean zone, and the top three qualify for the AFC Cup finals in Uzbekistan later.Based on the recent Asean Football Federation (AFF) futsal competition held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in June, Vietnam who finished as the runner-up, are seen as Malaysia's main rival in the group.Indonesia would host both the group matches at the Jakarta Tennis Stadium from Feb 13-18.

Since the inception of the AFC Cup in 1999, Malaysia had failed to get past the first round group matches, except in 2005 (Vietnam) when the National squad made it to the second round but finished in 12th in a competition that saw 24 countries participating.The National futsal team coached by P. Balakrishnan are currently preparing for the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Oct 30.

Apart from the three teams that qualify from the Asean zone, 18 other teams would be playing in various zones, to earn nine slots available for the finals in Uzbekistan.Four teams, defending champion Iran, runner-up Thailand, 2006 champion Japan and host Uzbekistan are automatic qualifiers for the championship.-- BERNAMA

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

I take this opportunity to wish all my beloved Muslim friends a blessed Hari Raya Aidilfitri. May God Bless you and keep you in good health. Have a wonderful moment with you loved ones and friends.

SHEER WASTE OF MONEY

Malaysia’s foray into the expensive world of Formula One with its 1Malaysia F1 team is expected to cost nothing less than a billion ringgit, industry sources say.

theSun learnt that budgetary concerns pose the biggest challenge in getting the 1Malaysia F1 team off the starting grid in next year’s Formula One race.

The cost of putting an F1 team together from scratch is considerable, with teams spending between US$45.6 million (RM158.7 million) and US$445.6 million (RM1.55 billion) per year on F1 races.

The expenses will involve setting up the infrastructure, where a large portion of the budget will go towards operational expenditures such as employing staff, drivers’ and test driver’s salaries, engines, tyres, fuel, travel, freight, testing, equipment and food. There is also R&D and engine costs to consider.

Malaysia is also planning to build its F1 team headquarters – at a cost of millions or even billions of ringgit – which will be located at the Sepang International Circuit, and comprise an office, R& D facility, technical centre and a wind tunnel.

All parties involved will come together for a meeting after Hari Raya to discuss the financial aspects of running the F1 team.

A public-private partnership company, 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd, will work with regulating bodies such as Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) and Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM) on all technical aspects of managing the team.

A spokesman for 1Malaysia F1 Team Sdn Bhd said they will hold a press conference after the festivities to announce the names of the stakeholders, and also the initial budget needed to run the F1 team.

A consortium of other joint venture partners, that include companies such as Proton, AirAsia Bhd and Naza Group, will also be actively involved in the F1 team, but the financial details of their involvement have yet to be determined.

AirAsia’s deputy CEO Datuk Kamarudin Meranum was quoted by AFP as saying that the F1 team is looking for investors.

He, however, declined to reveal how much it will cost Malaysia to participate in the F1 races.

AirAsia’s CEO Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes will be the team’s principal and act as the spokesman for the local team, besides liaising with the International Automobile Federation (FIA).

An official from Naza said the group’s involvement and how much it will spend on the F1 team will be announced in due time.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who is also finance minister, announced the formation of the 1Malaysia Formula 1 Team which, he said, was a government and private sector initiative.

He also said that the team will be based at the SIC and the cars will be designed, manufactured and tested there.

Najib said the funding for the venture will come from the public and private sectors, with the government’s investment being channelled through national car maker Proton.

He stressed that the project would not be a waste of money as it would boost the country’s image internationally and be a marketing platform for Malaysia, Proton, Lotus, AirAsia and Naza - THE SUN

WINDSOR HEADS TO NIGERIA

FIFA Development Officer, Windsor John has been appointed as the Chief General Co-ordinator for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria which will be held from Oct 24 to Nov 1st.

In June Windsor was in South Africa as General Co-ordinator for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Windsor, who is the protege of Datuk Seri Paul Mony Samuel, was the General Co-ordinator in the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was in Berlin and oversaw the operations and proudly lead the two finalist Italy and France to the match at the Berlin Stadium.

It is learnt Windsor will once again be appointed as FIFA General Co-ordinator for the 2010 World Cup and is expected to do the FINALS as well. Despite the absence of the Malaysian teams at the international scene , we must be proud that Malaysians are appointed to manage the competitions. These will be the scenario for the next 15 years.



THE TEAMS THAT QUALIFIED

AFC
The AFC U-16 Championship took place in Uzbekistan from 4 to 19 October 2008. Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and UAE all booked passage to the finals.

Iran (IRN)
Japan (JPN)
Korea Republic (KOR)
United Arab Emirates (UAE)

CAF
The eighth African U-17 Championship took place in Algeria from 19 March to 3 April 2009. Gambia, Algeria, Malawi and Burkina Faso qualified for the finals in Nigeria.

Algeria (ALG)
Burkina Faso (BFA)
Gambia (GAM)
Malawi (MWI)

UEFA
The final round of the European U-17 Championship 2008/09 took place in Germany from 6 to 18 May 2009. Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and Turkey booked their places by finishing in the top three of their respective groups.
Germany (GER)
Italy (ITA)
Netherlands (NED)
Spain (ESP)
Switzerland (SUI)
Turkey (TUR)

CONCACAF
The qualifying tournament for North, Central America and the Caribbean zone took place in Tijuana, Mexico in late April. The United States and hosts Mexico both won their groups and will be joined in Nigeria by runners-up Honduras and Costa Rica. The competition was halted after the group stages due to an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico.
Costa Rica (CRC)
Honduras (HON)
Mexico (MEX)
USA (USA)

OFC
The OFC U-17 Championship took place in Auckland, New Zealand between 20 to 24 April 2009. The winner of the competition qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009.
New Zealand (NZL)

CONMEBOL
Argentina became the first team to qualify from the tournament in Iquique, Chile, which ran from 17 April to 9 May 2009, but it was Brazil who emerged as continental champions, beating Argentina in the final on penalties. Colombia and Uruguay earned the remaining spots for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009.
Argentina (ARG)
Brazil (BRA)
Colombia (COL)
Uruguay (URU)

Host Country
The host country qualifies automatically.
Nigeria (NGA)

Japan's Goal-den wonder

The sun came out, along with the dignitaries, children and footballers from the prefecture of Fukushima, 200km North East of Tokyo today, to witness the inauguration of a world 'first'.

The Japanese FA Medical Centre based at the J-Village is the first of its kind, and was officially opened following an $800,000 USD FIFA contribution through the GOAL programme.

The J-Village is the first football specific national training centre in Japan and was opened in July 1997. The facility is used as a training camp by various clubs including the Japan National team, as well as hub for delivering Coaching courses and referee courses.

FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, alongside JFA President Motoaki Inukai and FIFA Executive Member and JFA Vice-President Junji Ogura symbolically cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque in the company of the Governor of Fukushima, Mr Sato and the Mayor of Naraha Town, marking the latest phase in the facilitiy's evolution.

The JFA Academy is a combined middle and high school educational institution which was opened in April 2006. The Academy students attend the local middle and high schools while living at the Academy. In addition to football activities at the ample facilities of J-Village, emphasis is also placed on personal and social development education.

Blatter, in the company of members of FIFA's Development team saw the realisation of the first Medical Centre in the world opened, and was visibly impressed by what he saw, before meeting some of the children who are currently based at the J-Village.

"This is definitely a great day and something that everyone involved in Japanese football should be very proud of" he told the guests and media.

"Unfortunately in football there have been a number of recent tragedies, the most recent the death of the captain of Espanyol (Daniel Jarque) in Spain. Any facility which seeks to help improve and monitor the health of players is therefore very important.

"Not all countries are fortunate enough to have the same facilities. When FIFA undertook some medical testing with eight African countries recently and their U17 age group, 63% of the players had never received a medical check-up in their life."

The GOAL Programme was launched in 1999 and since then over $215million USD has been invested by FIFA across 189 countries and more than 380 projects.

The project in Fukushima saw the Medical Centre co-funded by FIFA through 2 GOAL phases. $400,000 USD was for the Medical Centre and another $400,000 USD was contributed towards the purchase of medical equipment.

Blatter travels next to Thailand where he will inaugurate the Tsunami Memorable Football Centre in Phuket tomorrow, before completing his brief trip to Asia by opening another GOAL project on Wednesday in Bangkok.

SAM MUST BE SEEN AGGRESSIVE AND RELEVANT

EVERYONE and everything has price? But there is no price for values and integrity. The KBS-SAM partnership must be seen as something that only enchances Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) value and should not be seen as one that sold it's soul for a price. Despite the effort and support by Sports Minister, Datuk Shabery Cheek, SAM must be seen critizing the KBS and MSN when they go wrong.

I am quite sure SAM President Khawari Isa is aware of that situation. The Minister who once challenged Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on a debate, granted RM 100,000 for SAM to organize a national sports writers awards night. It shall be called KBS-SAM Sportswriters awards.

"Sportswriting and sports media are crucial components of the sports industry. It is timely that we recognise them in an awards night with a certain degree of prestige attached to it.

"It was pointed out to me that the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) had dropped the sportswriting category altogether from its annual event. This KBS-SAM award is therefore an opportunity to create a highly anticipated and prestigious award said Sports Minister, Datuk Shabery Cheek, in announcing the grant before a packed ballroom.

Khawari is trying his best to foster unity among members and raise SAM to a higher level, that can only be achieved if there is support from the members. Given the response, feedback and attendance during the buka puasa, it only goes to show that SAM has united in the spirit of 1Malaysia.

Najib launches Malaysia's own F1 team

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today announced that Malaysia will participate in the FIA Formula One world championship through its own racing team - 1Malaysia F1 Team, starting from 2010.

Najib said that the Formula One Federation (FIA) has accepted Malaysia's bid to enter the 2010 and future championships.The premier said 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.

Speaking to reporters at Ministry of Finance in Putrajaya, Najib said 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 Najib, adding that a race to find a suitable Malaysian driver was underway.

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.Najib 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," he said.He added that 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.

FAM TREASURER RESIGNS

FAM Tresurer Dato' Cheong Keap Tai. resigned effectively September 10,2009. His resignation letter was accepted by FAM President Sultan Ahmad Shah who is currently in London. It is learnt that in the last FAM exco meeting wild allegations was directed at a particular member, which caught many by suprise. Much later during the meeting Dato Cheong was asked to explain to members on the allegations.

It was also learnt that Dato Cheong wrote a personal letter to Sultan Ahmad Shah on the matter and the ruler of Pahang requested him to provide substantial proof.

A new treasurer is expected to be appointed once Ahmad Shah returns from London, former Head of Finance , Ms Ampega will has been asked to assume Dato Cheong resposibilities.

Datuk Cheong formerly with PriceWaterhouse Coopers. Has been serving FAM since 2000.

Of course I am aware of the allegations but I am not going to disclose it here, untill I confront the person myself.

ONLY SEMI-FINALS EXIST IN SEA GAMES

Sometimes official are not aware of the SEA Games regulations or tournament rules. FAM can't set a quarter-finals target as they don't exist, only semi-finals spot is available. Maybe FAM officials are already feeling the pressure so much so they can even name a target that does not not exist. Relax la guys these is only Sea Games ! Please take your time and set new targets. I shall wait. Read harian metro story here.

SO WHAT IF A PRINTER LEADS AN ASSOCIATION ?

WHETHER IT'S A PRINTER, REPORTER, BLOGGER OR SENIOR CITIZEN THAT LEADS AN ASSOCIATION, IT'S NOT THE MATTER, WHAT MATTERS THE MOST PEOPLE MUST GET THE JOB DONE. TO PFAM I WILL SUGGEST TO FOLLOW THE FOOT STEPS OF PFA, THE WORLD'S LONGEST ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION. PFAM SHOULD HAVE A OPEN MIND ABOUT LEARNING, BUT IF EMPLOYED STAFF AND MEMBERS ARE ARROGANT THEN I AM SURE YOU WILL FACE THE WRATH OF THE PLAYERS AND MEDIA.


CASE STUDY

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) was formed on 2nd December 1907 and is the world’s longest established professional sportsperson’s union. The aims of the PFA are to protect, improve and negotiate the conditions, rights and status of all professional players by collective bargaining agreements.

The PFA has successfully achieved its aims since its formation and has continued to grow in respect and stature through a number of notable successes throughout its history. These successes, some of which have been achieved through the law courts of the land, have included in 1961 the maximum wage being abolished and in 1963 the retain and transfer system was ruled by the High Court to be contrary to the law of the land and subsequent negotiations with the Football League established a procedure to permit a player to join another club at the end of his contract. Clubs were only able to hold the registration of a player providing the terms offered were not less favourable than those in the previous contract. In 1978 a player’s right to move at the end of his contract was fully recognised with a more efficient procedure being established. An Appeals Committee with an independent chairman was set up to consider disputes arising from the question of a compensation (transfer) fee and the PFA is represented on this committee. Also, in 1978 the PFNC was established with equal representation of the PFA and the Football League under an independent chairman to meet on a regular basis and under this

committee all matters affecting the game and players are discussed and no changes to a player’s conditions may be made without PFA agreement. This committee was renamed in 1992 to the PFNCC (Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee) to include the Football Association and the newly formed Premier League.

The PFA has been successful throughout its history in the challenges it has faced due to the strength of support from its members and there have been examples of this in recent times when the role of the PFA has been fully appreciated by its members who supported it in disputes with the Premier League, the Football League and the Football Association with regard to the PFA’s entitlement to a percentage of television revenue. In particular, in 2001 members were balloted with regard to strike action with a union record 92% return and 99% of those returned supported the union and industrial action if necessary. This show of support and strength for the Association enabled a satisfactory agreement to be reached and strike action was averted.

The PFA is a key member of the International Players’ Association, FIFPro, and was instrumental in the changes to the international transfer system following the Bosman ruling and negotiates with FIFA and the European Commission. We are also key members of the Professional Players’ Federation (PPF), a body of major sporting players’ associations.

The PFA is a key figure in all aspects of the professional game which affects its members and has added to its reputation on the principle of caring for the interests of the game as a whole, in addition to the interests of its members. We have also been successful in initiating a unique Community Programme and anti-racism campaigns as well as working with the Football League, the Premier League, the Football Association and the Football Foundation on charity and community initiatives.

The experience and expertise the PFA has gained since its formation ensures it is able to provide the best advice, representation and assistance in all aspects of a player’s career and beyond.

The PFA manages four main funds:

Benevolent Fund

This fund provides financial assistance for any member or dependant past or present who is facing financial hardship. There is also death benefit payable to the next of kin of any member in the event of his death whilst under contract, up to a maximum of £1million.

Accident Insurance Fund

This fund provides monies to ensure that all Premier League and Football League contracted players are covered under the PFA's Accident and Sickness Insurance Scheme in the event that they suffer a specific injury or illness which results in their permanent total disability to play professional football. This fund also pays a subsidy to both the Premier League and the Football League to ensure that every player has private medical insurance and immediate access to the best possible treatment. This fund also provides financial assistance to former members towards medical expenses and free places at Lilleshall Rehabilitation Centre.

Education Fund

This fund provides grants for training and qualifications for players once their careers are over. It also provides funding for the apprentice programme in both the Premier League and the Football League; the Premier League/PFA Community Fund and the Football League Trust with regard to community initiatives as well as our own dedicated Community Liaison Department; anti-racism programmes and the Sporting Chance Clinic which provides education, assessment and rehabilitation with regard to addiction issues.

PFA Enterprises Fund

This is the commercial arm of the PFA looking after the commercial interests of the Association and individual members with 20 business partners providing numerous services including exclusive car deals to financial and legal advice. The Commercial Department also sources player appearances and deals with the Press Association which provides employment for over 120 former members. The PFA Player Management Agency provides an unparalleled individual player representation service using the expertise of our 10 qualified FIFA licensed agents.

Givemefootball.com provides details of the different departments within the PFA which are available to current and former members and shows that the PFA is able to offer advice, guidance and representation on many matters including contractual issues; disciplinary issues; advice on Premier League, Football League, Football Association and FIFA regulations; legal and financial advice; education and vocational training; community; equity; coaching qualifications; commercial opportunities; physical and addictive assessment and rehabilitation facilities; insurance with regard to permanent total disablement from professional football.

The PFA is involved in every aspect of the professional game and www.givemefootball.com, the PFA’s official website, provides greater details and up-to-date information on the current activities of the Association.

PFA MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Gordon Taylor OBE - Chief Executive
Chris Powell -Chairman (Leicester City)
Scott McGleish(Wycombe Wanderers)
Marcus Hahnemann(Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Gary Neville(Manchester United)
Darren Moore(Barnsley)
Colin Murdoc( Accrington Stanley)
Ben Sedgemore(Kings Lynn,Conference North)
Moritz Volz(Ipswich Town)
Clarke Carlisle(Burnley)
Chris Hope(Rushden & Diamonds)
Steve Guinan(Hereford United)
Phil Neville(Everton)

WILL THE TEAM DELIVER IN LAOS?

MALAYSIA defeated Lesotho 5-0 at the MBPJ Stadium on Friday but their leading men upfront Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak and Norsharul Idlan Talaha have yet to really click. Coach K.Rajagopal believes that his strikeforce should be given time. Read Eric Samuel report here.

Can these strikers deliver in Laos ?

PFA FORMED FOR ?

The Professional Footballer's Association of Malaysia (PFA Malaysia), slated for launching on Thursday, will look after the welfare of professional players in the Malaysian League (ML).PFA Malaysia general secretary E.R. Subramaniam said it would represent players in matters like salary payments, termination of contracts in mid-season, terms of contracts and others for the benefit of players."

All active players are eligible to register as members while retired players can register as affiliated members of PFA Malaysia," he told Bernama here Monday.Subramaniam said PFA would also look after the welfare of retired players by holding courses to equip them with other skills."Membership is also open to woman playing in the national league and those representing the states.

We will also educate young players on career as professional footballers."He said the formation of the association had approval from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and consent of its president Sultan Ahmad Shah."We had also received approval from the Sports Commissioner's Office on July 6 to legally form the association," he said.

PFA Malaysia will become a member of the Federation of International Associations of Professional Footballers (FIFPro), an international body like the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).FIFPro has 42 members worldwide including Japan, India, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

The Malaysian League had been saddled with a host of problems by associations like arrears in players wages and money owed to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), reported to be about RM5.4 million.

Malaysia Go Down Fighting

THE Malaysian Under 23 lost narrowly 1-0 to Al Qadisyah, these is the second defeat for K.Rajagopal boys after going down 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on Sunday.

Rajagopal fielded second stringers, with likes of Bunyamin Umar, Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha were on the bench.

"The boys played well and they fought hard, I played the reserves today and I rested some senior players for the match against Jordan ( On Sunday). So far the players been very committed and they are playing and working hard." said Rajagopal from Saudi Arabia.

"We want to keep the team for three years, now I am building from scratch and right now what is important is to get the combination right" said the former Selangor striker who played along with the late Mokhtar Dahari.

Many believe that Rajagopal and the charges might end the 20 year drought of gold medal but Rajagopal remains humble about Malaysia's chances, instead of focussing on the gold medal he wants to focus on forming a strong squad, which is not suprising because Malaysian players are famous for inconsistency when it matters the most.

UNDER 23 TO FOCUS ON FRIENDLIES

The national Under-23 squad will focus on international friendlies as their final preparation for the Sea Games in Laos from Dec 9 to 18.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad said the squad was not participating in any championship in the next three months.

"It is a request from national coach K. Rajagobal following a discussion with the technical committee, not to expose the squad's strength by participating in the pre-Sea Games championship in Laos next month," he told Bernama, here, today.

He said another reason was the spread of Influenza A(H1N1), which had also forced the cancellation of some planned competitions like the Merdeka Tournament and Inter-Continental Cup.

"If possible, we want to give our squad good exposure by participating in competitions but we have to consider the current situation."

Since Rajagobal took over as national coach in April, neither the Under-23 squad or national senior squad had participated in any competition except in friendly matches.

Azzuddin, however, said the friendly matches had prepared the squad for the Sea Games.

The last time Malaysia won a gold in football in the Sea Games was in 1989.

"Rajagobal should be given the time and space to develop a strong squad. As such, we do not want to set a target for him in Laos," he said.

On the national squad's 1-2 defeat to Saudi Arabia in a match in Riyadh Monday, Azzuddin said the result showed a narrowing deficit.

"Though we are at 152 in ranking compared to Saudi Arabia who are at 64, the result could be used to measure our strength. After all, the match was a last warm-up for the host before meeting Bahrain in the World Cup 2010 qualifying round," he said.

The national Under-23 squad will have another friendly match with Al-Qadisyah Club of Saudi Arabia early tomorrow morning before leaving for Jordan to meet the Jordanian national squad this Saturday -BERNAMA