Sports Minister: FAM should support corruption-free FIFA
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The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) should stay away from corrupt practices in football and support a FIFA presidential candidate who can bring back integrity to football.
Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the recent FIFA corruption scandal is not just highly embarrassing but highly damaging to football.
"We must follow the developments closely and take it very seriously. We must ensure that first of all, our own association, FAM will continue to stay away from such corrupt practices.
"They have not discussed it with me but I think all football federations still reeling from the consequences on what has taken place.
"I would also like FAM to look seriously into the matter and support a candidate, who they feel can bring integrity back to FIFA," he said to reporters after Stay Great Stay Thirsty campaign by 100Plus at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on Friday.
During the event, 100Plus also presented a cheque worth RM 2,460,000 to Khairy to support the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) helmed by the Youth and Sports Ministry.
"100Plus plays a large role in paving the way for successful sports initiatives that inspire the community to strive and push beyond their limits, and hunger to do better," said Khairy.
Brazilian football legend Pele and young Brazilian superstar Oscar were there to launch the campaign and they are the first international ambassadors signed by 100Plus.
Pele was particularly grateful that he was able to come to Malaysia and share his expertise to the players.
"Recently I went for a surgery and during the surgery, I remembered that I had to go to Malaysia. I prayed to God and thank God I am here in this beautiful country.
"Playing football was a gift of God. But most importantly, be a good person first. That was an advise my father gave to me."
The campaign is a nationwide project that encourages Malaysians to push their boundaries and strive to be better.
During the event, Pele also shared his vast experience with the national football team players, namely goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, midfielder Joseph Kallang Tie and winger Christie Jeyaseelan.
