Harimau Malaya football coach Peter Cklamovski remains unfazed by heritage player sanctions as he prepares his squad for their crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal.
HARIMAU MALAYA head coach Peter Cklamovski remains unfazed by the ongoing heritage player controversy as he focuses on Malaysia’s upcoming Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal.
The Australian coach said he preferred to concentrate on what he and his players could control rather than be distracted by external noise and speculation.
“For me, it’s easy. It’s not a problem because all I focus on is what I can control and that’s to get today right, to get every day right,” he said during a press conference.
“What people say or think is out of my control. I just hope I can make Malaysia proud by the way we play, our football identity, the results we get, and finish the 2025 international year undefeated playing good football, scoring goals and keeping clean sheets.”
FIFA recently rejected the appeal by the Football Association of Malaysia and seven heritage players involved in document forgery offences.
The world governing body upheld sanctions that included a RM1.8 million fine for FAM and RM11,000 fines for each player.
All seven players received 12-month suspensions from all football-related activities.
Cklamovski said he remained inspired by the passion shown by his available players despite the eligibility uncertainties.
“I’m inspired to work every day with the players we’ve got. There’s a special energy in the group, disciplined, focused and professional,” he added.
The coach emphasised the need for hard work and humility ahead of their crucial Group F match on November 18.
“We can’t take things for granted. We need to work hard, stay humble and keep building our football because we have a tough opponent on Tuesday night,” he said.
All players called up for the national camp were expected to report today.
Cklamovski confirmed he had dropped two previous squad members due to unavailability.
Romel Morales was ruled out through injury while Muhammad Afiq Fazail was absent for personal family reasons. – Bernama
