The rumour mill in Malaysia has gone into overdrive yet again – this time suggesting that Peter Cklamovski is preparing to leave as Malaysia’s national football coach.
Such chatter intensified in recent days following the ‘doctored documentation’ fiasco that saw the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and seven ‘heritage’ footballers slapped with heavy sanctions by Fifa. While FAM has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), some observers still believe Fifa may ultimately suspend the national team.
From there, it was only natural for some to conclude that the uncertainty surrounding the team’s status would prompt the Australian to pack his bags. But this is the type of “noise” Cklamovski should ignore.
Ahead of tomorrow’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal, Cklamovski told Bernama: “It was a bit of a surprise to me, but that’s football, and things like that (the rumour mill in overdrive) can happen. What’s most important for me now is about today (the team’s preparation) … then, making sure we do the right thing tomorrow and get all three points.”
On paper, Malaysia should have little difficulty collecting three points at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
On Nov 15, FAM acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi dismissed the rumours about Cklamovski’s future as wild speculation went full nuclear, stirred by external parties.
If he cannot perform his duties as outlined in his contract, Cklamovski could, in theory, join the seven sanctioned players in taking legal action against FAM. After all, FAM has admitted that the suspension stemmed from a “technical error” on their part. Alternatively, FAM could simply pay out the remainder of his contract and allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
However, FAM could also argue that Cklamovski can continue training the players even if they are barred from competing in Fifa-sanctioned tournaments, should the national side face suspension. In such a scenario, the coach would have every right to argue that no professional wants to lead a team unable to play competitive matches.
Cklamovski has guided the national team to a string of positive results since taking charge on Jan 1 this year. That record will work in his favour. At 47, he has many more years in the game and would not want this episode to hinder his progress, whether in Malaysia or elsewhere.
Although Cklamovski has brushed off the rumours, the fact remains that a legal dispute could arise if the national team faces harsher penalties.
For now, Cklamovski should stay put until the Fifa vs FAM saga reaches its final whistle. And fans, undeniably, will be in for quite a show.
