Five-time Malaysian Super League (MSL) champions Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) are irked by Kedah’s inaccurate information on national player Akhyar Rashid who is set to move south and don Southern Tigers colours next season.
Akhyar is now a free agent and JDT are in negotiations with the national striker who won the Best Striker award at last month’s National Football Awards.
However, JDT’s announcement of the negotiations has not gone down well with the Red Eagles’ who have taken to their official social media to voice their disappointment on the matter.
“We would like to stress that there is no need to contact Kedah FA as Akhyar is a free agent following his contract termination with Kedah,” said JDT’s Technical Director Alistair Edwards.
“The compensation to Kedah, should JDT sign Akhyar, has been predetermined by the FAM (FA of Malaysia) following a recent decision that is in accordance to football regulations.
“JDT will honour the decision and make the necessary payment should we reach an agreement with Akhyar.”
Meanwhile, the Southern Tigers have started their training for a “challenging and hectic new season” with the AFC Champions League (ACL) topping the list apart from defending the MSL for a record sixth year.
JDT became the first Malaysian side to compete in the ACL and to add depth to the team have signed two big names – Brazilian Mauricio dos Santos Nascimento and Spain’s Aaron Niguez.
The Southern Tigers have established themselves as the most successful team in the Malaysian League – winning the MSL since 2014 apart from the Charity Shield, the FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup.
However, the highlight of JDT’s reign as football powerhouse is winning the AFC Cup in 2015 with a 1-0 win over Istiklol FC of Tajikistan in the final in Dushanbe. RIZAL ABDULLAH
