PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has no issue with Malaysia’s football team hiring naturalised foreign players.

It was commonly done all over the world, especially in Europe, he said, and could help boost the national team.

“Now all the football teams take players from other country. That is why we see a lot of westerners who are dark skinned. So if we take, can,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today. 

His remarks come as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) looks into plans to naturalise foreign players to improve the performance of Harimau Malaysia.

FAM’s new president Hamidin Amin made the proposal recently, citing France’s performance in the World Cup which had included many naturalised players.

Hamidin said he was in favour of Brazilian and African players.

However, Dr Mahathir said foreign players should not overshadow local players. 

“Not until it reaches a point where all 11 players are from foreign countries. Our players have to be in the team also,” the Pakatan Harapan chairman said. – July 30, 2018.