Latest news with #AseanClubChampionship
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'If you don't have the experience, don't pretend to know'
KUALA LUMPUR: While pretty much of the world have finalised their domestic league fixtures months in advance, Malaysia is, once again, struggling to come out with its M-League calendar. And the organiser, Malaysian Football League (MFL), has been slameed for lack of professionalism and poor planning. Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the "uncertainty" reflects poor governance by the powers-that-be. "We already know how many teams are competing. We should be able to release the fixtures. Once they are out early, people can plan properly," he said. "Last year, there were too many last-minute changes. Some teams had already made travel arrangements, then the schedule changed. That's not professional. "You ask clubs to be professional, but you can't even plan fixtures properly. What kind of example is that? "If you don't have the experience, don't pretend to know. Go study how the Premier League or J-League do it. "It's a professional league. Don't run it like amateurs," said Pekan. Meanwhile, MFL chief executive officer Shazli Shaik said they are in the final stages of preparation and awaiting further details from the Asean Football Federation (Johor Darul Ta'zim and Selangor will compete in the Asean Club Championship). The Super League is expected to kick off on Aug 8.
The Star
01-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Brunei tempt Terengganu's Akhyar to spread his wings to Borneo team
PETALING JAYA: Winger Akhyar Rashid is on Brunei's radar ahead of their return to the Malaysian Super League in August. The 26-year-old, who joined Terengganu permanently earlier this year from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), has piqued the interest of Brunei, who are making a comeback in the domestic league after 17 years. 'Brunei are hoping to finalise the signing of Malaysian national team player Akhyar Rashid from Terengganu,' the club said in a statement. 'Akhyar signed a contract with JDT in 2018 before moving to Terengganu in 2024. Brunei are hoping to finalise the signing of the player for their debut season.' Brunei are currently still competing in the Singapore Premier League, but are building their squad to compete in Malaysia soon. If the signing goes through, Akhyar will be the second Malaysian player in the squad, following the addition of former Penang leftback Fairuz Zakaria. The club have also reeled in the services of Indonesian international Ramadhan Sananta. Akhyar has made 37 appearances for Terengganu since last year, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists in all competitions, including the Asean Club Championship. Brunei are also in talks to sign Philippines national team defensive midfielder Christian Rontini, who currently plays in the Thai League with Nongbua Pitchaya. They are also going after 27-year-old Japanese striker Tomoyuki Doi, who has scored 38 goals for Geylang International in the Singapore Premier League.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
AFF sign up Hyundai as their new title sponsor
The AFF Cup will now be known as the Asean Hyundai Cup following the announcement of new title sponsor Hyundai Motor. Credit - SPORTFIVE PETALING JAYA: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) have announced a new title sponsor to Southeast Asia's premier football competition as they introduce the Asean Hyundai Cup (AFF Cup). "We are honoured to welcome Hyundai, a global leader in mobility and innovation and a steadfast supporter of football as the title partner of the Asean Cup," said AFF president Khiev Sameth. "Hyundai's legacy of excellence and its unwavering commitment to the global football community align perfectly with AFF's mission to drive the growth and development of football across Southeast Asia. "It embodies the highest aspirations of our region's players, fans and nations," he said. President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific, Sunny Kim, said football is a platform that unites and empowers communities. "With over 26 years of global partnerships, we see Asean as a region where football's spirit thrives. This sponsorship aligns with our vision of 'Progress for Humanity' by supporting education, inclusion, and sustainable growth," he said. They will also be the sponsor for three other major tournaments, namely the Asean Club Championship, Asean Women's Championship, and Asean U-23 Championship. With the most recent edition of the AFF Cup ending in January with Vietnam taking their third title, the next edition will be taking place in 2026. Malaysia have only won the tournament once in 2010, while Thailand have the most titles at seven (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022).
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor welcome 'extra foreign firepower' for new season
KUALA LUMPUR: With Selangor fighting on three fronts next season, they will need a lot of firepower — especially from overseas. So, the Malaysian Football League's decision to increase the foreign player quota from 12 to 15 is welcomed by the Red Giants. It is going to be taxing for Selangor — competing in the M-League, Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) and Asean Club Championship (ACC). Selangor technical committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar sees the increased foreign quota for the new M-League season as timely. "Last season, we registered 12 imports. This time, we are allowed 15, which is a good option to have, especially when you consider the increase in match-day slots," said Shahril. "We welcome this flexibility. But it doesn't mean we'll automatically sign all 15. We need to consider our budget, and more importantly, the quality of players available." Shahril believed this move will benefit clubs like Selangor and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), given their continental commitments. However, he acknowledged that not every team are in a position to fully utilise the new quota. "If a team can afford it and have the depth, go ahead. But if not, there's no pressure to hit that number. "As for us, we're still evaluating. It might stay at 12, or it might change depending on what the team need," he said. Shahril admitted that the 2025-2026 campaign will be hectic for Selangor, who earned their ACC spot as Super League runners-up. "It's going to be a packed year for us, the league, ACL2, and now the Asean Club Championship. But we are looking forward to this. "We're excited to compete at the regional level and hopefully make the country proud. Both Selangor and JDT will carry this responsibility," he added.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Goalkeeper Chatchai Bootprom earns Asean title for Buriram United in shootout
Goalie Chatchai Bootprom saved three penalties to help Buriram United win the Asean Club Championship. PHOTOS: FACEBOOK/BURIRAM UNITED BURIRAM, Thailand - Chatchai Bootprom saved three penalties as Buriram United defeated Vietnam's Cong An Ha Noi 3-2 in a shootout to win the Asean Club Championship title on May 21 after a 3-3 draw in the second leg saw the tie end 5-5 on aggregate. The 38-year-old goalkeeper kept out spot-kicks from Jason Pendant Quang Vinh, Hugo Gomes and Bui Hoang Viet Anh to earn Osmar Loss' Thai League 1 champions victory in an eventful clash in front of their own fans. "I have never had as dramatic an experience as this in all my career," said Chatchai. "I feel very good because we won this trophy. We wanted to win this trophy because we wanted to be the number one in Asean." After a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Hanoi last week, Pendant put the visitors in front in the 15th minute when Nguyen Quang Hai played him in behind the Buriram defence, and the fullback calmly bided his time before shooting beyond Chatchai. Cong An Ha Noi doubled their advantage from the penalty spot with six minutes left in the half, Leo Artur converting after referee Koji Takasaki awarded a penalty following a clash between Buriram United's Peter Zulj and Gomes. Zulj made amends seven minutes from time when his shot on the turn found the bottom corner of Filip Nguyen's goal to give the home side hope. Lucas Crispim then unleashed a thunderous free kick from 30 yards out with the last kick of regulation time to take proceedings into extra time, the Brazilian crashing his right-foot effort off the underside of the bar to beat Nguyen. Crispim was the instigator of Buriram United's third, the winger embarking on a driving run towards the penalty area that ended with Giap Tuan Duong handling his cross and Guilherme Bissoli converted from the penalty spot in the 105th minute. However, Cong An Ha Noi's Alan Grafite headed in Quang Hani's corner in the 118th minute to take the game to penalties, where Chatchai's heroics secured the win. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
