COME CLEAN MINISTER

Not jumping for joy

The Everton Proposal Cover

I have no intention of standing for elections Mr. Minister, if that is what your reaction to this piece will get. All I ask for is the truth and accountability as there are eagles out there who intend to devour the RM10 million your Ministry will spend on football. Let us not be taken for a ride, for I know that the prophet is never believed on his own land, but do we want to be continued to be colonised?

My apology to readers for failing to post with regards to my interview with the right honourable Sports Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek the other day on the Everton FC tie up. Now that the dust has settled, somewhat lukewarm reception from the main stream media, I am intrigued by what has been posted by fellow blogger Jaiho on this issue.

Together with two journalists from the mainstream media, I had the privilage of meeting up with the Sports Minister at the Bukit Kiara Club on Monday. I must go on record to say that this was only the second time I have cross swords with the Minister since his appointment as Sports Minister.

Right from the onset I could sense that he was reserved in his answers as he had met us before taking to the court and was already told that we intended to ask him about the tie up with Everton FC.

The Minister's initial reaction:

"I met with officials from Everton FC and we are working on a proposal. There are some technical matters and I have briefed the FAM President who is receptive of the idea. All parties, KBS, FAM and the Education Ministry will form a committee to look into this plan and I am impressed with what I saw there with regards to developing football."

The Minister was then asked on the attachment of the Under 23 players and what this so-called development initiative with Everton had to do with it.

"It will be part of the deal, our players will join the reserves team in everton FC. Let's not talk about adaptability, not getting nasi lemak and so forth."

Next came the question with regards to what the tie up will cost to the Malaysian public, and this is where the Minister started getting defesive especially when told there were several similiar proposals this decade.

When I raised the question that there had been proposal in the past provided to both the Ministry and the NSC, the Minister denied any knowledge of it.

But NSC Director General Dato Zolpkles Embong who was seated on the floor intervened and said, " yes we received a proposal a few years ago from a former athlete but we did not have the money then. Now it is different as we have the money."

And that is when I offered the Minister info on the past proposals as I made it clear that I was not against the idea but merely wanting him to be careful of people who were about to cash in on the situation. This was the Minister's rebuke.

"I know what I am doing. Just because some of you are against it, shall I drop the whole idea? If this is the case then why should I bother. You know I went to London at my own expense, not utilising government money."

When I replied that "good for you" for flying to London at his own expense, little did I expect him to continue harping on the issue. It came about when I asked the Minister wat the deal was worth and was it true that attachment of our Under 23 was inclusive of the deal.

"We were invited to Everton and held discussions with them. And there are other offers too and it has nothing to do with CYC. We are negotiating the figure. The asking price is around 1.3 million pounds per yer but that is not finalised yet.

When told that past proposal were much lower then what had been quoted, the Minister once again went on the defensive.

"That maybe the case in the past, I do not know. What were the proposals, I am not aware of them and really if you feel that it is not a good idea, shall I drop it just because you are questioning it. You people are against it right from the begining."

I clarified that it was die to the fact that he maybe taken for a ride and that he should open up the old files to see if the deal was marked up, the Minister would have none of it, not even when told that copies of past proposals could be made available to him for comparision purposes.

"I will do what I need to and no I do not intend to take any copies from you."

When asked what were the other clubs/teams that opened their doors, once again the Minister refused to reveal details and walked off.

Note: The proposal above, the cover copy is worth RM2.9 million per year and the Minister is welcomed to view the copy, should he want to act in the interests of the people.

NEW DRAMA ON THE CARDS

The Badminton Association of Malaysia are seeking supporting cast for a tear jerker that they are producing, outlining the Malaysian badminton scenario of late.

Pre-requirement is that you must be able to cook up a storm, plead your case with real tears and above all know how to manipulate situations in order to bring down personalities.

The supporting cast must be naive enough to take instructions without asking questions, no matter how bad the situation might look. But above all since there are loads of directors in this drama, you must be able to take instructions, no matter when and where.

And yes, the NSC will provide some key actors, so those positions are filled up, do not bother applying or turn up for casting as it is already taken up.

HARIMAU MUDA, A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

FAM have blundered with regards to the Harimau Muda team, and the sooner they accept that fact, there will be closure and we can all move forward.

No point in beating around the bush anymore as the decision to withdraw the team from the Super League and hand their place to Pahang was done to appease certain quarters. In the process, FAM has shot themselves in the foot.

Requesting a place in the S-League and being denied of the spot by the Singapore FA was not surprising as it was evident Singapore would have wanted a reciprocal invitation. If one were to recollect, Harimau Muda in 2006 played in the Singapore FA Cup as did their Under 23 team in our FA Cup. Something in line with that would have been acceptable with the Singaporean FA.

But how on earth did some personalities in FAM think that Singapore would welcome us with open arms?

So we have now a squad that has no where to go, with the Sports Minister completely off cuff when talking about exposure internationally through his brainchild attachment schemes. FAM employed Azrai Khor as coach, wasting tax payers money as he is left with a team that has nothing to look forward to.

Do not despair Azrai as there are means to ensure that the players get the desired exposure and help them excel in the future years.

In 2005 and 2006, K. Rajagobal was the coach of the original Harimau Muda, and my records show that in 18 months, the team played some 85 matches, both international and domestic. Right from the AFF Cup, training stint at Carrington which is the training ground of Manchester United, Slovakia to participation in a world class tournament in Belo Horizente, Brazil until they were accepted into the Premier League, thanks to the initiative of FAM deputy President YB Khairy Jamaluddin, the team benefitted.

In reality it is not so difficult to expose the team provided those people entrusted with the responsibility are sincere and not just form companies to be awarded FIFA Match Agent license so as to broaden their control over Malaysian football.

The key word here is sincerity and hard work, the same as it was when Rajagobal took some convncing to allow his team to be funded by the government in 2006. As stated earlier the target then was the 2009 Sea Games gold, something that Rajagobal made into a reality but others took credit, so much so that those in NSC have forgotten how they tend to laugh off targets set by people who know te sport inside out.

So Azrai, no point crying over something that you had no control of. Take the next bold step and tell them FAM Exco ( I doubt the 3rd floor people will let you into the room though) that you want to expose the players. Get a good team administrator, work out the schedule.

And yes, make sure your name is also in the list for the World Cup this June as many in FAM would have lobbied already.

SPORTS AND POLITICIANS POOR MATCH

Sports these days are being run by individuals seeking individual glory, rather then for the nation. Harsh but a true assessment of things, coming from one of the finest sons of the country, Tun Musa Hitam.

"Politicians jump onto the bandwagon to get publicity rather then contribute effectively towards the sport," said Musa in his speech during the ceremony to sign the partnership between Malaysian National Cycling Federation and Yayasan Sime Darby yesterday.

When met after the event, Musa offered some clarification with regards to his statement.

"I am not saying that all politicians behave as such for there are many that have contributed towards certain sports. They must have genuine intent to serve a sport and not just because they want to be popular with the voters" said Musa.

"However more often then not you find some of them tending to wield their power when it comes to decision making process and this is not good for sports bodies.

"Whether it is good to have a politician as the Sports Minister is not for me to say as I have no influence over the matter. Suffice to say that there are pro and cons to this issue and I am not afraid to speak my mind."

Musa speaks from experience having served as President of the Malaysian Equesterian Federation. And during his time, there was less politicking in sports.

"I still remember when I was Chairman of the first World championship and we returned RM6 million to the government after staging the event," said the former Deputy Prime Minister.

"We cannot just depend on the government for funding but have to source for funds to host events."

The Sime Darby Foundation of which Musa is the Chairman, has invested in lawn Bowls, literlly taking the sport from being a past time to one where Malaysia excels in world events.

But Sime Darby opted to stay out of football, and Musa attributes it to wanting it to put its house in order before getting support from Sime Darby.

"We supported football for a year and wanted them to do better, but first they must get their house in order," said Musa, with elaborating further.

Meanwhile the desire of the nation to win gold at the 2012 London Olympics was given a boost as Yayasan Sime Darby stepped in with a RM2 million boost for the sport.

Participation in world class events in 2010 and 2011 will be used to prepare the likes of Azizulhasni Awang and Josiah Ng to win gold in London.

GAME, SET, MATCH MR. MINISTER

I had the pleasure of meeting up with the Sports Minister Datuk Shabery Cheek after he tested the court that will be used for the WTA Malaysian Open next month at the Kiara Club.

Out of respect for the two journalists who were also present when the Minister lost his cool, I will not blog about what transpired until noon tomorrow. Suffice to say the man who faced the former Deputy Prime Minister on a debate live on TV could not withstand some simple questions with regards to public money from this blogger.

The Minister may have his reasons for his outburst, but suffice to say that I had to make a point to him and to be honest why lose your cool, unless you have something to hide. After all if you are right Mr. Minister, then why fear my line of questioning?

So readers, please wait till noon tomorrow for the update, it will be interesting. The story is with regards to the Minister's visit to Everton and the plan to tie up with the club that has been marketed by a few groups since the days of Azalina.

And the cost, a cool RM7 million per year, so there goes the bulk of the RM10 million that Prime Minister announced recently....

MARIA FOR MALAYSIAN OPEN

Maria Kirilenko is believed to have accepted an offer to play in the Malaysian Open next month.

It is believed that an offer was made to the star player during the ongoing Australian Open and she has accepted it.

And with Justine Henin being the other drawcard invited, the Malaysian Open could well outshine the numerous tennis events held in the country over the past few years.

The world no. 58, Kirilenko was unseeded at the 2010 Australian Open where in the first round she upset her friend, and former doubles partner, number 14 seed Maria Sharapova 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4 in a 3 hour, 22 minute marathon.

In her second match, she made light work of Yvonne Meusburger, dispatching the Austrian qualifier 6-3, 6-1. She then won a close fought match against Roberta Vinci 7-5, 7-6(4).

Kirilenko had seven match points during the second set before finally winning her eighth in the tiebreak.

Kirilenko then defeated Dinara Safina in the fourth round when Safina had to retire whilst serving at 4-5 in the first set. Kirilenko will now play unseeded Zheng Jie in the quarter-finals.

PLUG PULLED ON ASTRO ARENA

It what can ony be described as a bitter blow to the yet to be launched Astro Arena, FAM pulled the plug on them at the very last minute for the broadcast of the Malaysian Super League matches.

And the key player it is said was RTM, which holds the "rights" albeit limited to free to air TV only.

This is how the story goes. Astro made an offer to FAM to be the broadcast partner for cable ( pay TV) and FAM accepted the deal via MSL Sdn Bhd, its marketing arm.

So Astro went ahead and employed some 13 staff and even bought two OB vans to transmit the matches live to the Malaysian public, a fact that was even publicised by FAM in some of the main stream media news reports.

Such a deal was on the cards when OCM via Peninsular Digital approached MSL some two years ago and the then asking price by MSL was RM2 million. Though it never eventually took off as the sports station never made its debut, RTM at that time did not object to this arrangement as Astro was to telecast matches in id-week, something that RTM could not do due to their tight airtime scheduling.

Anyway this time around it seems that FAM went on and gave the go ahead to Astro and agreed on a figure much lower then the RM2 million that was the figure agreed upon in 2008.

But RTM sent FAM a strongly worded letter, even to the extent of telling FAM that RTM will not make the payment of RM6 million annually for the agreement signed in 2008, thanks to the good offices of YB Khairy and the then RTM DG. For those unaware, the initial TV deal prior to that was RM4 million annually and FAM got an increase of 50% in 2008, for a three season contract.

On Monday, Astro were prevented from entering the stadium as FAM pulled the plug on that deal, hence Astro were now saddled with equipment and staff that they had already invested in.

There are some unanswered questions here though.

Why did FAM go ahead and agree with Astro if they had not consulted with RTM in the first place or had not informed RTM initially?

Why is RTM objecting and have they no intention of honouring the contract signed as they only have rights for free to air TV?

Why is FAM fearful or be willing to be held at ransom by RTM as the deal with RTM ends at the end of this season hence it will be an open market for next season so FAM can benefit by selling it to the highest bidder?

Why are the top officials of FAM keeping quiet on the constant foul ups, bleeps and blunders done by the administration?

Why, why and why can be something we ask but the answers will never be forthcoming as honest competitors like Astro will continue to be given a raw deal by those with vested interest or lack of knowledge on how to read contracts.

NO KIDDING

World No. 3 men’s doubles pair Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan have left the country’s badminton training camp to embark on a professional quest, but have promised to play their part in the biennial Thomas Cup.

“[The resignation] is final, so we’ll start looking for sponsors soon,” Markis told The Jakarta Post on Monday.

He was speaking after a meeting with Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) deputy chairman I Gusti Made Oka, secretary-general Jacob Rusdianto and athlete development head Lius Pongoh.

“The PBSI has OK’d our resignation,” he added.

“However, we’ve agreed to help out the squad at the Thomas Cup.”

The PBSI’s Jacob, however, told the Post that the association had not made any decision on the former world No. 1 duo.

“Today’s meeting was fruitless, in terms of getting them to renew their contracts at the national training camp, but [PBSI chairman] Djoko [Santoso] hasn’t made a final decision,” he said.

“We’re still open for the possibility that [Markis’] club [Jayaraya] or his parents will help us bridge the gap.”

The PBSI has not set a deadline to bring the top players back to the camp, but will in March officially name shuttlers to be promoted to the camp and those dropping out.

Markis and Hendra submitted their resignations days before winning gold at the recent Southeast Asian Games in Laos.

“I want to enjoy playing, and the pressure in the national training camp is too much,” said Markis, whose cited his high blood pressure and nagging knee injury as factors for quitting the camp.

He added the PBSI had offered him training privileges on medical grounds.

“I declined the offer. I really want to play independently,” said Markis, 25, who at the start of 2009 also threatened to resign after a disagreement over the value of his contract.

Markis has played with Hendra since they were 13, and said, “We won’t part company.”

Both will return to Jayaraya to train and spar with other shuttlers who went pro, including Alvent Yulianto Chandra, Hendra Aprida Gunawan, Vita Marissa, Taufik Hidayat and Flandy Limpele.

“Back when I resigned from the squad, it took us two months to get a sponsor, but the world No. 3 won’t face this problem,” Alvent said upon arriving in Kuala Lumpur for the season-opening Malaysia Super Series that runs from Jan. 19-24.

TONY HAM-MERED OUT

David Sullivan and David Gold look set to take over at West Ham United after the Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes said last night that he had failed in his efforts to buy the Premier League club.

Sullivan and Gold, the former Birmingham City co-owners, are expected to be confirmed as the owners at Upton Park today. The investment group Intermarket was last night attempting to persuade West Ham's owners that it has a more compelling case to be handed control but the Sullivan-Gold bid appeared to have won after a drawn-out process.

Fernandes said on Twitter that his efforts to buy the club had not succeeded. "Deal lost on west ham," the chief executive of Air Asia wrote. "Hopefully new owners protect what's good. We gave awesome deal and new ideas to rejuvenate a club and bring excitment [sic]."

Sullivan and Gold had hoped to have taken charge of West Ham by now. One of their offers to Rothschild, the bank appointed in October to find new owners, proposed buying 100% of the club but they are understood to have succeeded with an arrangement under which they will take a 50% stake but have authority over the running of affairs.

CB Holdings – the company formed by creditors and headed by the Icelandic bank Straumur which runs West Ham – is expected to have a 50% share.

Sullivan and Gold have said that they will service the short-term debt and make money available for signings this month in an effort to ensure that the team, managed by Gianfranco Zola, stay in the Premier League. Zola's job is not believed to be under immediate threat.

There is likely to be a role in a Sullivan-Gold set-up at West Ham for Karren Brady, who worked as their managing director at Birmingham. She is being tipped to take a job as vice-chairman.

DAVID GINOLA'S BOYS IN S-LEAGUE

Working under the radar till recently, French side Etoile FC have pipped Yishun Super Reds and Chinese side Beijing Guoan to claim the first of two available S-League slots for the 2010 season.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) told R Sasikumar, a consultant for Etoile FC, the good news on Friday and the former Lion was delighted. "It's fantastic, especially considering that we managed to put this together in such a short time, it'll be the first time ever that a European team plays in an Asian league," Sasikumar told MediaCorp last night.

"The players are still in Lyon, but they will arrive in Singapore on Jan 24. They are going through their medical and working out final contract details, important issues that we want to sort out before they get on the plane," added Sasikumar.

Their name means star in French, and Etoile FC the first European team to ply their trade in Singapore's professional league, look to bring star quality with them.

Former Cameroon international Lucien Mettomo will bring his experience from Manchester City, Southampton and Kaiserslautern, if he does agree terms.

Former Newcastle United and French star David Ginola will also add to the draw of the French side, in his role as club ambassador.

"Hopefully, we can bring Ginola here for Etoile's first game of the season," added Sasikumar.

Etoile become the eighth foreign team to compete in the S-League after Sinchi FC (2003), Albirex Niigata (2004), Sporting Afrique (2006), Liaoning Guangyuan and Super Reds (both 2007), Dalian Shide (2008) and DPMM (2009).

The FAS will decide between Yishun Super Reds and Beijing Guoan for the final league spot in the next few days.