FAM urged to create firm player release rules to prevent recurring issues

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) must implement stricter, consistent rules regarding player releases to the national squad to avoid ongoing problems, according to local sports observer Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli.

Ramli stated that while clubs have rights over players they pay, representing the nation should not be a secondary concern. He proposed FAM create a "local rule" that imposes specific penalties on players or clubs that repeatedly decline national team call-ups, particularly for significant regional competitions.

"FAM must be brave, must have a consistent and sustainable rule in this matter of representing the country so that from now on everyone will follow, whether they are a top club or a lower-tier club, they must follow this rule," Ramli told Utusan Malaysia. "If they don't want to play, there must be consequences because our priority is service to the country."

Ramli dismissed the argument that a tournament not being on the FIFA calendar justifies ignoring the national team's needs. He suggested FAM could designate certain tournaments as national duties and require players to provide strong reasons for refusal. "If it's the first call-up, we can accept that justification, it's okay. But if it's up to three times, every call-up or every championship even if not on the FIFA calendar, we won't call them anymore," he said. "That must be consistent. Or perhaps they won't be called, but a fine will be imposed."

He also highlighted players' responsibilities to the nation, fans, and everyone who supported their careers. "We must remember, we as footballers are not our personal property. We cannot play football if there are no spectators," Ramli said. "Don't think our rights are only club rights. We play for Malaysia, people come to the stadium to support because they want to see us play."