BTH: FIFA sanctions, heritage players & refugees at risk [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football is at a crossroads. A recent FIFA ruling over ineligible heritage players has thrown the spotlight on governance, accountability, and the long-term development of the nation’s beloved sport.

At the same time, a tragic boat capsizing near Malaysia’s maritime borders has highlighted the ongoing plight of Rohingya and Bangladeshi refugees risking everything for safety.

In the latest episode of Beyond the Headlines, hosts Amalina Kamal and Elena Koshy sat down with sports reporter K. Rajan, football critic Datuk Richard Scully and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner Datuk Ahmad Azam Ab Rahman to unpack these pressing issues.

The discussion explores the FIFA sanctions’ implications for Malaysia’s football credibility, the role of heritage players, and the urgent need to strengthen grassroots development.

Rajan and Datuk Scully weigh in on the structural challenges, coaching pipelines, and administrative gaps that have contributed to recurring crises in the sport.

Switching focus, Amalina and Elena turn to the humanitarian front, examining the legal, moral, and regional responsibilities surrounding refugee protection.

Datuk Ahmad Azam sheds light on Malaysia’s obligations, SUHAKAM’s advocacy work, and the systemic hurdles that leave displaced communities vulnerable.

This episode bridges the worlds of sport and human rights, asking hard questions about leadership, accountability, and the long-term strategies required to safeguard both national pride and human dignity.

More in the latest of Beyond the Headlines. Watch on NST Online’s YouTube channel.

This episode was recorded on Nov 13

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