KUALA LUMPUR: Sports observer Sadek Mustaffa believes FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Amin should bite the bullet and meet with Ultras Malaya to resolve the fans boycott of Pestabola Merdeka.
Sadek said the boycott will not only affect the image of the event, which begins on Wednesday, but also has sponsorship and economic implications.
He stressed that Hamidin must show humility and meet with Ultras Malaya who have strong influence in Malaysian football.
"This involves national pride and also has economic affects involving sponsorship as well as downstream activities such as jersey sales and paraphernalia," said Sadek today.
"The issues raised by Ultras Malaya are regarding the overall leadership of FAM as well as Kim Pan Gon's resignation, so FAM have to show humility and meet with them.
"FAM should also meet with fan groups from other states as well to ensure that Harimau Malaya continues to be well supported during their matches.
"In Europe, they would never allow their stadiums to be empty. Their fans will always attend their national team matches because it is important for their image."
As of Saturday, less than 1,000 tickets had been sold for Pestabola Merdeka which will be held at National Stadium Bukit Jalil.