FORMER Fijian footballer Sylvester Joseph blew steam at the Fiji Football Association for cherry picking footballers into the Fiji FA Legends Club.
Joseph argued Annamalai Mudaliar’s inclusion, saying he never represented Fiji a day in his football career let alone won a medal, a criterion set by sports governance for inductees.
“For the many congratulating my dear friend and brother Mr. Annamalai Mudliar, I wish to remind you all that he never was picked or played for the Fiji national football team,” said Joseph.
“Let me correct his playing status, he played for the Civic club in the Suva premier division, represented Suva in the mid to late 60’s and was selected in the Southern Selects to play against Dallas Tornados.”
Joseph said Mudaliar’s contribution to football in Fiji at different levels, including Sangam football is worthy of mention but felt the need to set the records straight on national representation.
Speaking with a forked tongue
Joseph said the FFA has deprived hundreds of footballers of induction under the pretext that they never won a medal, but took an exception for Mudaliar.
“Mr. Rajesh Patel and Mr. Mohammed Yusuf you are not worthy of stepping into the shoes or on the grounds these legends walked on, and your lies and deceit in denying them their honour and dignity about their contributions and achievements in representing their beloved country, speak volumes of your corrupt leadership and practices.”
“Mr. Annamalai Mudliar I applaud your contribution but I had to correct the record on the face of all those who had truly represented Fiji as they have been denied recognition by FFA.
“There are fewer than 50 players out of the 300-plus that are living and are not recognized by FFA,” said Joseph.
