KUALA LUMPUR: There is no Fifa window in April or May next year. And this has raised fears that some key players may not be able to get out to join the national team for the Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar on April 15-May 3.
This year, the team faced the same problem as they played without several key players at the Sea Games and Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
Team manager Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar said he is concerned that Luqman Hakim Shamsuddin (who plays for Icelandic club, UMF Njardvik) and Nooa Laine (of Finnish club SJK Seinajoki) might not be released by their European clubs as the Under-23 Asian Cup will be held outside the Fifa window.
Shahril admitted that this is a recurring problem, and he said the coaching staff need to sort it out.
"We need to discuss further with the Malaysian Football League to ensure room is given for the national Under-23 team to undergo training for this competition.
"I know that some of the players are also the main players for their clubs in the Super League but I hope they will be released."
