Match against EPL club not a 'circus' match - FAM

The match between a Malaysian Selection and English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspurs FC at the Shah Alam Stadium on May 27, is part of exposure for the National squad in preparation for two 2019 Asian Cup qualifying rounds.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in a statement said the match against the English Premier League (EPL) club is the best platform for the national squad before facing Timor Leste on June 11 and Palestine on June 16 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil to collect maximum points.

"The Malaysian selection will meet Tottenham Hotspurs FC and play a friendly match against Hong Kong on June 6 which is an opportunity for Malaysian players to battle against a quality side in tactical and physical aspects," the statement said.

FAM added that even though the match against the EPL club would not bring any points in world rankings, it is important for Harimau Malaya squad coach, Dollah Salleh to assess the capability of new players.

FAM also said the match would not have any limit on the change of players compared to an 'A' category friendly match which limit a maximum change of six players.

In this regard, FAM does not want the friendly match to be labeled as a circus game by a handful of fans as five import players in the Malaysian League will be fielded to boost the strength of the national squad.

"Dollah is expected to field the strongest lineup against the Hong Kong national squad which is categorised as an 'A' level match which will in turn contribute points toward the ranking of the national squad," the statement added.