Zainudin urges players to take a stand against match-fixing

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SINGAPORE - The spectre of match-fixing, the security of players and travelling fans and the issue with National Service (NS) could all affect the LionsX11 when they return to Malaysian domestic football competitions in 2012, but Football Association of Singapore (FAS) chief Zainudin Nordin believes the potential hurdles can be overcome.

Singapore left Malaysian competitions in 1994 under a cloud, with disagreements over how to deal with match-fixing one reason for the parting of ways.

Today understands that Singapore Pools will offer bets for all Malaysian competitions following Singapore's re-entry, and some believe it will leave players vulnerable to match-fixers.

Especially when some in the LionsX11's 18-man squad are only being paid in the region of S$1,500 a month.

But Zainudin believes the players will have to make their own stand.

He said: "We don't want the scourge of match-fixing to occur again, and even if there is no (legal) offer of bets, we know that there will be some illegal betting under the radar.

"But all we can do is increase education, awareness and monitoring. We must trust that the players are professional and have them carry their own responsibility. That is the best way forward."

Security has been an issue in the past, with players, fans and officials alike subjected to violence at "away" games, but the FAS president is confident his Malaysian counterparts have things under control.

"When fans want to misbehave, they will misbehave.

"I have full confidence that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) know what they are doing. I believe (security) will be of the highest level of professionalism," said Zainudin.

The LionsXII squad have 11 players who are in the midst of their NS commitments, with 21-year-old star Hariss Harun the most prominent one of the lot.

With time off from their duties a tricky proposition for matches in Malaysia, those affected could well only play in home games at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Zainudin revealed the FAM have allowed the FAS to select a bigger squad because of NS obligations, and added: "We will continue to engage the authorities ... and we are working out the details. But we must be able to cope with the constraints."