FAM seeks FIFA clarification over extended stoppage time in Jakarta

KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) will seek official clarification from FIFA over the change in added time during the Indonesia-Bangladesh match in the FIFA Asean Cup in Jakarta on Thursday.

FAM said it would submit an official request to FIFA over the decision to change the initially indicated two minutes of added time to seven at the Gelora Bung Karno.

The issue has come under scrutiny as Indonesia scored twice in the extended stoppage time to beat Bangladesh 9-2 and overtake Malaysia on goals scored to qualify for the final.

FAM said it considered accurate and consistent management of match time an important element of match officiating and the overall integrity of a competition.

"The matter warrants clarification given the significance of the match in determining the final standings in Group A and the teams advancing to the final," FAM said in a statement on Friday.

The national governing body said it wanted FIFA to review the circumstances surrounding the incident and clarify the procedures followed by the match officials, including the basis for adjusting the amount of added time.

FAM stressed that its request was not intended to challenge the result or question the performance or achievement of any team.

"Rather, it is intended to seek official clarification on the match-officiating process and procedures, with a view to ensuring transparency, consistency and clarity in the application of the relevant regulations," it said.

Indonesia had appeared to be heading for a 7-2 victory before scoring twice in added time to complete a 9-2 win over Bangladesh.

The result proved decisive as Indonesia and Malaysia both finished Group A on seven points with a plus-nine goal difference, but Indonesia advanced to the final after scoring more goals.

Malaysia had earlier defeated Singapore 6-0 in their final group match, but the result was not enough to secure a place in the final.

FAM's move comes amid widespread discussion among football fans over the handling of added time in Jakarta, particularly after the change from two to seven minutes and the subsequent goals that decided the group standings.