KANGAR: Perlis' football team coach is disappointed over a published photograph of a player, who was questioned by the state Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) on Wednesday.

Irfan Bakti Abu Salim said it was unfair that a newspaper published the photograph, which appeared on the front page of the Malay tabloid yesterday.

He said it painted a bad image of the player who had not been charged with commiting any offence.

The photograph showed a Perlis footballer from the waist up with his face blurred. He was one of 11 players who were called up by the state ACA to assist with investigations over possible match-fixing.

Despite having his face blurred, Irfan Bakti said many football fans recognised the player based on his head and body features.
"It is unfair that his photograph was published as it would lead to negative response towards the player's image. Football fans would recognise him despite his face being blurred.

"I wonder why his photo was chosen. There were 10 other players called up by the ACA. Honestly, I am disappointed."

Irfan Bakti was unaware that the ACA would take statements from the players as they were initially told to attend a briefing on corruption at the state ACA office.

Meanwhile, team assistant manager Mohd Noor Aziz said the 11 players were questioned as part of investigations initiated by the Perlis Football Association (PFA).

The PFA lodged an ACA report on April 28 to check on any possible cases of graft in the squad. Two players were called up to make their statements the following day.