KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed that Mats Deijl will play for Harimau Malaya in the coming months.
The governing body’s comments follow Deijl’s recent appearance on a podcast in the Netherlands, where the 27-year-old, who is of Malaysian-Dutch descent, shared that it would be a dream come true for him to represent Malaysia.
Deijl also expressed hope that FAM could assist him with the necessary documentation and passport process, allowing him to join the Harimau Malaya camp, currently managed by Pau Marti Vicente, as soon as possible.
Speaking to Scoop, FAM deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi revealed that the governing body has already started working on Deijl’s documentation, and he is expected to potentially make his debut for Harimau Malaya in this year’s AFF Cup.
“We have already begun the documentation process for Deijl, and everything is progressing smoothly.
“It won’t be long before fans see him donning the iconic black and yellow jersey. We are happy to work with players like Deijl, who have so much passion and interest in being part of the national team.
“But it’s not just Deijl; we are also scouting more heritage-based players for the national team in the months and years to come,” Yusoff said when contacted.
Previously, FAM president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin revealed that Deijl had approached the football body with interest in playing for the national team.
FAM then considered bringing him on board after confirming that Deijl has Malaysian ancestry on his father’s side.
Deijl, who plays as a right-back for Eredivisie side Go Ahead Eagles, has made 96 appearances and scored five goals since making his debut in 2021.
In addition to Deijl and Wan Kuzain Wan Ahmad Kamal—another heritage player FAM is working to bring into the fold—Harimau Malaya currently features five heritage players: Matthew Davies, Corbin Ong, Nooa Laine, Daniel Ting, and Darren Lok.
The national team is further bolstered by three naturalised players: Endrick dos Santos, Paulo Josue, and Romel Morales. — September 21, 2024