KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 ― National goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat was not in the National squad that played against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby last Friday because he was barred from leaving the country by the Immigration Department.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the Kelantan goalkeeper was barred from leaving the country because he had failed to settle his outstanding income tax.

The 27-year-old has however, settled the amount in arrears to the Inland Revenue Board and would join the National team for the Oceania Tour.

In his absence, the National squad lost 0-2 to Papua New Guinea.           

“We will ensure such incidents will not derail the National squad's preparations. We will also monitor the status of players before identifying them for assignments overseas,” said Hamidin in a statement, today.

Hamidin said players would be screened as soon as they are called up to attend training for National duty.

Izham Tarmizi Roslan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Farhan Abu Bakar from Kedah were the two goalkeepers in the squad that played and lost to Papua New Guinea.

Malaysia are scheduled to play against New Caledonia at the Numa-Daly Magenta Stadium on June 22 before ending the Oceania Tour against Fiji at the Prince Charles Park Stadium in Fiji on June 26. ― Bernama