Kuala lumpur: The process of securing the release of Under-23 (U-23) football players from their clubs to represent the national squad at the 2025 South East Asian (SEA) Games has encountered significant obstacles, with national U-23 football squad coach Nafuzi Zain revealing that seven players might not be released.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Coach Nafuzi expressed his concerns over the situation, emphasizing the importance of securing a victory in the opening match against Laos this Saturday, following recent failures in the ASEAN Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers. “So far seven (players) are confirmed (to not be released) but a Selangor player (might be released based on) discussions but we’re not sure about the others,” he mentioned during the U-23 squad training session at the Sime Darby Training Field in Bukit Jelutong.

The coach acknowledged the challenge that arises from the clash with club commitments, given that the SEA Games do not fall within the FIFA calendar, which allows clubs to refuse the release of players. Despite this, Nafuzi remains hopeful that clubs will consider releasing players for the crucial opening match. He highlighted the maturity and experience that Super League players could bring to the team in critical moments, noting the squad’s current lack of players despite being in central training since November 25.

National defender Ahmad Aysar Hadi Mohd Shapri shared his optimism for a positive outcome at the biennial Games, stressing the importance of teamwork and learning from past performances. “We can’t take things easy and have learned many things in terms of playing as a team. We do know that small matters have a bigger impact on us as a team,” he remarked.

The U-23 squad is set to compete in Group B, facing Laos on December 6 and Vietnam on December 11 at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. Only the Group champions and the best second-placed team will advance to the semifinals. Malaysia last secured a gold medal in football at the SEA Games in 2011 in Jakarta, Indonesia.