Boycott of Pestabola Merdeka a tsunami warning for FAM, says analyst
A local sports analyst said fans were fed up with all the drama and issues within FAM that have yet to reach a solution.
The action of fans boycotting the Pestabola Merdeka is a clear signal to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to address any existing weaknesses within the country's football governing body.
Local sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said fans were fed up with all the drama and issues within FAM that have yet to reach a solution.
He said the issue of Kim Pan-gon's resignation as the national football team head coach in July was the "spark" that led to a "larger fire" concerning problems that have been present for a long time.
"Fans see that any issues that occurred previously did not receive proper resolution from FAM.
"That is why fans are boycotting and it's actually more about giving a warning or sending a signal to FAM.
"It’s not just because of the Pan-gon issue, but a broader issue involving a series of problems, especially the failure of our national team.
"The rise in rankings or qualifying for the Asian Cup on merit after 42 years is not the measure of success that should be celebrated and fans know the national team needs to go further than where they are now," he told Sinar.
On Sunday, FAM's ticket and stadium committee chairman Datuk Posa Majais said fewer than 1,000 tickets have been sold for the Pestabola Merdeka match between Harimau Malaya and the Philippines, scheduled for this Wednesday.
Previously, Ultras Malaya and several state Ultras groups decided to boycott the oldest tournament in Asia due to several alleged factors, including Pan-gon's resignation and problems related to the Malaysian Football League (MFL) in the Malaysian League competition.
Pekan said FAM needed to recognise the current rejection by fans and work to address the issue to prevent it from continuing.
"It is a sign that FAM needs to realise what is being demanded by fans or supporters' clubs in our country.
"Let's not blame the supporters' clubs, but FAM should ask themselves what the appropriate response is to appease the fans.
"I see that the leadership of FAM does not want to acknowledge the weaknesses being pointed out, which is causing fans to become increasingly frustrated with their attitude," he said.
