FAM: No conspiracy to oust Rajagobal

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today denied claims that there was an alleged conspiracy to oust head coach of the National football squad (Harimau Malaya) Datuk K. Rajagobal, as reported by the local media.

A statement issued by the FAM said what FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad had said about National coach Rajagobal during a press conference was allegedly misinterpreted by the local media. The statement said, last week three journalists from local English dailies had asked Azzuddin if there was a conspiracy to oust the Harimau Malaya coach.

"In a spontaneous reply, the Secretary-general had replied that in any issue such possibilities cannot be ruled out. But unfortunately that reply became the main topic the next day.

"Therefore, the FAM would like to clarify that Azzuddin's remarks were misconstrued. The FAM will like to reiterate that there is no conspiracy as reported by the media," said the statement.

It was earlier reported that Azzuddin had allegedly claimed there was a conspiracy to oust Rajagobal and that certain parties could be using the media as a tool.

Rajagobal, 56, is set to face the FAM Disciplinary Committee for allegedly criticising the M-League after lamenting a lack of quality strikers in the league following the 4-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia a fortnight ago, due to the presence of foreign imports.

The issue of foreign imports is deemed a policy matter.