‘I forwarded them to FAM’: Tengku Abdul Rahman details his role in recommending seven suspended heritage players

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 24 — Tengku Muda Pahang Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah revealed he had earlier proposed several heritage players to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for evaluation in efforts to strengthen the Harimau Malaya squad.

He said that since late last year, a number of agents had approached him with recommendations of players for consideration.

“I forwarded those suggestions to FAM for a more detailed evaluation to determine whether the players met the criteria as heritage players and could subsequently be considered for inclusion in the national squad.

“Among the players I had recommended to FAM were the seven heritage players currently involved in Fifa’s investigation and suspension,” he said in a statement Wednesday.

Tengku Abdul Rahman added that all seven players had obtained Malaysian citizenship through lawful and proper procedures in line with national legal provisions.

He stressed that the recommendations were made in good faith to strengthen the national team and provide opportunities for players of Malaysian descent abroad to contribute to their homeland.

He also expressed gratitude to the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, for his continued commitment and vision in improving Malaysian football.

Tengku Abdul Rahman commended Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s efforts in making Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) a model for professionalism and modern football management in the country.

Click here to read article