KUALA LUMPUR: Ultras Malaya have no plans of changing their fiery ways, despite the FA of Malaysia (FAM) being slapped with a hefty penalty by FIFA for the crowd trouble the group sparked at the end of a World Cup qualifying match last month.
Alfadli Awaludin, leader of the hardcore supporters group, stated that in no way has the 40,000 Swiss franc (RM180,000) fine on FAM softened the group’s stance against the national football body.
"We will always support Malaysian football and we will continue to support the national team the same way we have all this while," declared Alfadli.
On Sept 8, a match between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, with the score at 1-2, was abandoned in 88th minute when the Ultras' launched a barrage of smoke bombs, flares and fireworks onto the pitch.
Apart from the fine, FIFA also ordered Malaysia to play its next match against the United Arab Emirates on Nov 17 in an empty stadium.
Alfadli said the Ultras have given FAM notice of three areas they want the national body to work towards - World Cup qualification on merit, Asian Cup finals qualification on merit and for Malaysian clubs to earn direct berths into the Asian Champions League without having to go through play-offs.
"The outcome shows that FAM is not working towards those targets. So we will continue until this is achieved. People should not be asking us what we are going to do next because whatever the Ultras do, it will not bring Malaysia to the World Cup. They should ask FAM what they are doing to ensure these targets are met," said Alfadli.
"For that to be achieved, we want the Malaysian football system to be revamped. Where are FAM's development programmes and are they succeeding in improving our football? There has to be change."