Malaysia Coach: 'Players who are banned still want to contribute to the national team'

Coach Peter Cklamovski confirmed that the Malaysian players banned by FIFA remain passionate about coming back and serving the national colors.

The head coach of the Malaysian national team, Peter Cklamovskishared heartfelt thoughts after leading his team to a convincing 5-1 victory over Laos in the qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup held at Bukit Jalil Stadium. This win not only reaffirmed Malaysia’s status after a turbulent period but also held special meaning as it was dedicated to the seven players currently banned by FIFA.

“Those seven players have always been burning with the desire to wear the national team jersey. They are true Malaysians who want to give their all for their country. Today’s victory is for them and for all the fans who have continuously supported the team,” Coach Cklamovski said during the post-match press conference.

Last month, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee issued sanctions against the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and seven players including Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Hector Hevel. These players were accused of violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) related to document forgery during player registration.

Despite facing significant personnel losses, Malaysia demonstrated resilient fighting spirit. After a cautious first half, the home team exploded in the second half, scoring five goals to secure a decisive victory over Laos. This performance showcased Coach Cklamovski’s tactical imprint, as he gradually shapes a modern, energetic playing style for the “Harimau Malaya.”

“The players fought with all their heart and showed a proud spirit. I feel fortunate to lead this special group. I hope the fans will continue to stand by and support the team in upcoming matches,” he added.

The 5-1 victory not only gave Malaysia a smooth start in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers but also strengthened confidence, proving that the team can overcome challenges to pursue greater goals ahead.