Kuala lumpur: National football squad defender Dion Cools has left it up to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and team management to decide on Harimau Malaya’s involvement in any friendly matches this September. He emphasized the importance of preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for October and November.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this follows Harimau Malaya’s withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup 2025, which is set to occur in Tajikistan from August 29 to September 8. Cools expressed his disappointment with the withdrawal but acknowledged the management’s efforts. He stressed the importance of focusing on the Asian Cup qualifiers, particularly the upcoming match against Laos in October, as part of their goal to reach the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia.

Cools conveyed confidence in the management’s decision-making and urged everyone to trust their judgment. He encouraged maintaining composure and unity within the team. His comments were made during the launch of a special edition jersey created in collaboration with an international sportswear brand.

Previously, FAM had cited changes in the CAFA Cup match dates as the reason for Harimau Malaya’s withdrawal. The new schedule starts outside FIFA’s official international window, making it difficult for the national team as clubs are not required to release their players.