KUALA LUMPUR – National head coach Peter Cklamovski says his controversial remarks about the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) were never meant to be disrespectful, insisting he merely reiterated information that was already made public by the association itself.
“I didn’t mean any disrespect to FAM at all. In fact, I didn’t say anything different than what they’ve said themselves,” said the Australian during a pre-match press conference today ahead of Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier against Laos at Bukit Jalil.
“They released a press statement last week — I’m going off that. I don’t know anything else other than that. If people feel I’ve disrespected FAM, I apologise, but it wasn’t my intention and I definitely didn’t say anything new.”
Cklamovski’s clarification comes days after his post-match comments in Vientiane drew public backlash for appearing to blame FAM for the administrative blunder that led to FIFA’s sanctions on seven national heritage players.
The coach had told reporters after Malaysia’s 3-0 win over Laos that the “mess that’s happening with FIFA, the administrative errors or whatever’s going on there, that’s FAM — that’s not Tunku Ismail,” while defending the Johor Regent’s contributions to Malaysian football.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee last month found FAM guilty of submitting falsified documents to confirm the eligibility of seven players — Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel — for the third-round Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10.
FAM later admitted that the error had occurred within its own administrative process and said it would undertake internal reforms to prevent a recurrence.
Despite the controversy, Cklamovski said his focus remains firmly on football. “We don’t even think about it. We think about our job as a national team — to train hard, play well and get the wins. That’s what I can control,” said the 47-year-old coach.
He added that the absence of the suspended heritage players should not deter the team’s collective strength.
“We don’t rely on one player. That’s our focus, and I’ll continue to say that because that’s the way we train. Whoever’s on the pitch — the 11 who start or the ones who come on — know their jobs and will deliver.”
Malaysia currently lead Group F with nine points, ahead of Vietnam (six), Laos (three) and Nepal (zero).
Cklamovski said the team is determined to maintain its momentum after last week’s win.
“The process continues, and we look forward to executing another strong team performance to make the nation proud.” — October 13, 2025