GEORGE TOWN, Feb 26 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will take stern action, including suspension for life, against any player found guilty of corruption or fixing matches.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said it would use existing laws enshrined in FAM’s regulations when taking action against those players involved.

“We have our (mode of) actions, if any of our players have a procedure, any player who is convicted, fixing a match, will be suspended for life.” No need to speculate, it is in the FAM rules.

“We need to see (the Sarawak football issue), the authorities have stepped in to take action, if that’s the decision we have to agree,” he told reporters after visiting former national Olympic football squad player, septuagenarian V. Krishnasamy at the Arumperumjothi Vallaral Centre here today.

On Feb 21, two Sarawak Football Association (FAS) players and a man, believed to be a ‘bookie’, were released on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) bail at the Kuching Magistrate’s Court.

The three were earlier, remanded to facilitate investigations into a case linked to the ‘fixing’ of a Premier League match.

The FAS had previously received reports of players involved in match fixing after Sarawak lost 2-3 against Felcra FC on Feb 10, although Sarawak was ahead 2-0 in the first half.

Hamidin said FAM had handed the case over to the MACC and the authorities for investigation.

“We must understand the FAM has an integrity committee and security committee. However, when a team has lodged reports with the MACC and the police, we should leave it to the authorities concerned.”

Meanwhile, Krishnasamy, 70, who has been afflicted with diabetes over the last six years, hopes to meet up with his teammates of the 1972 football glory days.

“It should be fun if I can get together with my teammates and walk 10 minutes on the field. We had arranged meetings in the past but not in the last 10 years. I have not seen them for a long time,” he said.

Krishnasamy, who played in the 1972 Olympic Games, is currently undergoing treatment at the Arumperumjothi Vallaral Centre. — Bernama