SEA Headlines of the Week – 7th October 2018

Indonesia

PSSI Announces Sanctions on Persib Bandung  (Football Tribe Indonesia)

After the tragic death of a supporter during Persib Bandung's heated clash during Persela Lamongan, the former Indonesian champions have been dealt a punishment by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI). The club will be forced to play their "home" games at a new venue in Kalimantan, and their supporters will be barred entry to matches until halfway through the 2019 Liga 1. Season. Additionally, the PSSI has called upon Persib fans to eradicate "hate speech' from their chants, banners and unofficial merchandise. The club still have a chance to appeal this decision.

Thailand

Chiangrai United to Part Ways with coach Alexandre Gama as Thai U23 Rumours Intensify  (Matichon Online)

Chiangrai United president Miti Tiyapairat announceed on through his personal Facebook that the club will be parting ways with head coach Alexandre Gama after the Chang FA Cup and Toyota League Cup final. In his message, Mr.Miti thanked Gama for "the hard work and success [he] brought to Singha Chiangrai United."

The Brazilian mastermind is heavily linked with the Thailand U23 national team job, although no official announcement has been made from the Thai FA. Apart from the U23 job, Gama is also heavily rumoured to take over at Port FC or SCG Muangthong United.

Malaysia

Sumareh finally gets Malaysia call-up (Goal)

Pahang star Mohamadou Sumareh will get to represent Malaysia for the first time later this month. The Malaysian FA (FAM) has released the national team squad list ahead of the team's upcoming matches, and the fans have finally received what they have been clamouring for. Pahang's Mohamadou Sumareh, who was Naturalized as a Malaysian citizen earlier this year, has been called up by head coach Tan Cheng Hoe in preparation for Harimau Malaya 's friendly matches against Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan, on the 12th and 16th of October respectively.

The Gambian-born player, who moved to Malaysia with his family, received his citizenship in July this year, making him eligible to represent Malaysia. He was not picked by coach Tan when the nation played against Fiji, Chinese Taipei and Cambodia earlier, despite Sumareh having starred for his club side.

Vietnam

League postponed again and Cup Final changes to one match system (Football Tribe Vietnam)

Due to the death of former Vietnam Socialist party General Secetary Do Muoi, the final matchday of the league has been postponed from October 6th to 8th. The Finals of the Cup, originally scheduled to take place over two legs on a home-away basis, will now change to take place in neutral venue. The tournament's organizers decided to make this change in order to help the Vietnamese National Team have enough time to prepare for AFF Cup.