YANGON: Team manager Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has warned match-fixers to stay away from his players and coaches, as the FA of Malaysia (FAM) are on high alert in Yangon to monitor all suspicious activities.
Hamidin on Saturday said that the team's security officers are using several methods to keep an eye out for match-fixing activities, which could affect the team.
"We have identified several bookies and we want these people to stay away from our team,” said Hamidin.
“Bookies are everywhere and our head of security unit (Superintendent Dali Wahid) is monitoring our team’s hotel, and also working closely with the Asian Football Federation (AFF) and Myanmar authorities.
“We have our own methods that cannot be disclosed but are effective. We may choose to monitor phone calls made to any member of the team if necessary,” he added.
Enforcement has been enhanced for the tournament following the recent suspension of four Laotian players who are now being investigated for match-fixing activities since 2010.
Match-fixing is said to be on the rise in Southeast Asia, but the AFF has been making efforts to fight it and has engaged betting monitoring firm Sportsradar to track betting trends and analyse matches in the AFF Cup.
On another matter, Hamidin said he is forbidding M-League teams from contacting the national players during the AFF Cup.
Several M-League clubs are trying to entice players in the 23-member AFF Cup squad with lucrative offers, and this has angered team officials who want them to focus on attaining success in the competition.
Previously, players signed contracts with teams when they were in the national camp for the AFF Cup, but Hamidin does not want it to happen this time.
“Before heading here, I reminded the players to either negotiate with clubs before or after the AFF Cup. They agreed, but I think some clubs are trying to get hold of some players as they are looking for new signings.
“This has happened in the past. Although, it did not really affect the concerned players, I want those here to focus on the immediate mission.
“We won’t be taking extreme methods to stop players, but they have a responsibility here and I do not want outside matters to distract them.”