Full scrutiny before naturalising players

FA of Malaysia (FAM) will not blindly welcome all footballers with ancestral ties to the country to don national colours.

Only those genuinely interested to play for Harimau Malaya will be accepted.

FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said footballers who qualify for citizenship will be evaluated in all aspects before their papers are submitted for the process.

“There are many foreign players in the market who qualify, but we need to evaluate their attitude and also whether they are sincere about playing for Malaysia,” said Yusoff.

Under Fifa rules, players must have ancestral ties to the country which they wish to represent with either a parent or grandparent born there.

It also reads that a player must live for at least five years after reaching the age of 18 on the territory of the relevant association and has never played for any other national team.

Gambia-born Mohamadou Sumareh is the first player with no ancestral ties to Malaysia granted citizenship. He played for Malaysia in last year’s AFF Cup.

FAM secretary general Stuart Ramalingam said: “Some players just want a passport to play in other leagues in this region under the Asean quota.

“Some countries have experienced difficulties in getting these players, who fall under this category, back to answer national call ups once they are abroad.

“We need to be careful with these players,” said Stuart.

Stuart also revealed that FAM are trying to approach players, who are playing abroad, with ancestral ties to Malaysia and offer them a chance to play for the national team.