PUTRAJAYA: Police will go all out and take stern action against corrupt practices in the local football scene, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said they would not compromise with football players, clubs and coaches who engage in corruption through match-fixing.
“I am well aware of what is happening in the industry with players and coaches match-fixing as well as in the buying and selling of players. I do not want the industry plagued by such dirty practices.
“We know there are bookies who are monitoring the performances of Malaysian teams and they are in contact with players and coaches.
“I am making a personal commitment that we will take action to ensure the industry is free from such corrupt practices, so come forward with any information,” he said after launching the police's football team, named The Cops, which will be participating in the upcoming Malaysian Super League.
Also present was Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim, who is also the president of the football club.
During the previous football season, Zahid said they were aware that several players were involved in corrupt practices but it would not be tolerated this year.
Football players, clubs and coaches must act professionally, ethically and seriously, he said.
It was important for the players to maintain a good image and good name while practicing professional ethics of the game, he added.
At the event Zahid also announced a RM250,000 allocation for the PDRM football fan club.
The Cops will feature imported players from Brazil, Singapore and Mali. They are Andrezinho (Brazil), Safuwan Baharuddin (Singapore) and Konate Souleymane (Mali).
Earlier Noor Rashid Ibrahim said the services of import player Ali Ashfaq would be continued.
"In addition to that, we will maintain Abdul Mubin Mokhtar as The Cops team manager this year. He has held the position for three consecutive years.
"The police's management has also agreed to appoint Sergeant Mohd Fauzi Pilus as team operator, assisted by two assistant coaches Sergeant Major Anuar Udin and Corporal Rohaizan Ribi and goalkeeper Corporal Mohd Atfan Hat.
PDRM FA had won the Malaysian Premier League 2014 and was ranked sixth among the 12 teams in Super League 2015, and even qualified for the Malaysia Cup.