Kuala Lumpur – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has condemned the attack on senior journalist Haresh Deol, who was assaulted after reporting on a naturalization scandal involving the Malaysian National Team. The attack occurred in the Bangsar area of central Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, November 25th.
Deol, a journalist with over 20 years of experience, was confronted by two individuals while walking to his car, with a third person filming the assault as it occurred, according to Twentytwo13, his employer.
The attack is widely believed to be linked to Deol’s inquiry into alleged document falsification related to the naturalization process of seven players – Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Hector Hevel, and Jon Irazábal – who were found by FIFA to lack Malaysian lineage. FIFA has sanctioned Malaysia over the issue.
FAM Acting president, Datuk Wira Mohd Yussof Haji, stated, “Any act of aggression or attempt to obstruct journalists’ professional duties is wholly unacceptable and does not reflect the spirit of sportsmanship or the values of integrity upheld by this governing body,” as reported by scoop.my.
FAM has urged authorities to investigate the attack and expressed sympathy for Deol, stating, “We pray that he is well and continues to be given strength after this unfortunate incident.” The incident has intensified scrutiny of the Malaysian national football programme and the ongoing dispute between authorities regarding the player naturalization process.
