KUALA LUMPUR: Yesterday the FA of Malaysia (FAM) proudly announced that towering Kosovan born midfielder Liridon Krasniqi, who has been plying his trade here in the Malaysia Super League for the past five years, had acquired Malaysian citizenship and would therefore be eligible to play for Harimau Malaya sometime during the next phase of the World Cup qualifiers where the national team still has a fighting chance.
However, such news concerning the 28-year-old newly acquired Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfield maestro has received mixed reactions from the Malaysian public on various social media platforms and channels.
While many Netizens praised the fact that national coach Tan Cheng Hoe will be able to further bolster his squad thanks to Krasniqi’s availability for selection which may improve the national team’s chances for the World Cup qualifiers, there were also those who questioned as well as criticised the move.
On Twitter, a profile going by the name of @KosovansAbroad responded to the news by stating that Krasniqi has not only acquired Malaysian citizenship but would also be the first Kosovan born player to an Asian country at national level provided he is selected to play.
“Liridon Krasniqi is now a Malaysian citizen, and therefore, ready to represent them at national level. He will be the first player from Kosovo to represent an Asian country at national level,” read the tweet from @KosovansAbroad, which was accompanied by pictures of Krasniqi receiving his citizenship yesterday.
Another Twitter user by the name of @avineshW90 (T. Avineshwaran) pointed out that even if Krasniqi is selected to play for Harimau Malaya, he would only be able to do so during the third round of the World Cup qualifiers, provided though Harimau Malaya are able to advance.
“The second player to be naturalised after Mo (Pahang’s Gambian born winger Mohamadou Sumareh). Next in line is De Paula. Again, Liridon will not be available for the second round qualifiers. If we get to the third round, Liridon will be available for selection,” @avineshW90 tweeted.
Another Twitter user, @takterqyira, responded to the news by highlighting the fact that there are many stateless children in the country who have yet to obtain their citizenship.
"Maybe all the stateless Malaysian kids should play football for JDT so they can get the blue IC too," she wrote.
Responding to @takterqyira was @adrizamri who remarked, "Stateless kids won't get the same treatment as Liridon even if those kids somehow manage to play for JDT. All people, shouldn't by any means, compare an orange to an apple. It looks dumb."
Going by the moniker @pengsanpenipu, this Twitter user posted about the requirement of the Federal Constitution when it comes to granting citizenship to foreign nationals.
“Article 19 of Federal Constitution says that the minimum residency period required to apply for citizenship by naturalisation is 12yrs. Liridon Krasniqi only moved to Malaysia in 2015,” read the tweet by @pengsanpenipu.
On Facebook, the responses were mixed as well, with some Malaysian football fans voicing their thoughts and opinions on the matter.
In a response on the Harimau Malaya Fans' page on Krasniqi’s citizenship acquisition, one user sarcastically questioned the swiftness of the process.
“This time round the naturalisation can be done quite quickly. Forgot that the laws can be changed as and when it is necessary for the team,” said Volvos Angler’s.
Another Facebook user responding to the post by the name of Syahrul Ismet was both blunt and critical of the news.
“Until when are we going to be dependent on foreigners to help (HM) Harimau Malaya?? FAM have run out of ideas to unearth stars among local players??”
Other Facebook users such as Mohd Tazrie welcomed the news while urging other fans to change their mindset and not be so critical so that the national side may achieve success and soar to greater heights.
“It is right. Throw away the 80s and 90s way of thinking. If there is to be success then make the agenda of taking in via naturalisation. It’s now the dawn of a new age, 2020, and until when shall the country truly advance. I too want to see Malaysia playing at the highest level in Asia and the Olympics as well as the World Cup...All the Best.”
Another Facebook user, Joe Husin, took a different approach by expressing gratitude yet stating that he has not given up on seeing a national side made up entirely of one hundred percent Malaysians.
“Thank you and it is very much welcomed. It’s just that stil waiting for the moment when the World Cup squad is made up of one hundred percent sons of Malaysia. This is a more meaningful satisfaction and pride. God willing one fine day, a move towards such a direction and it is being worked on,” wrote Joe Husin.