PETALING JAYA, Aug 29 — Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin today said former national head coach Kim Pan Gon was not totally honest regarding his resignation last month.
Hamidin said before Pan Gon’s departure, the South Korean coach often insisted on leaving the national team, citing family issues.
However, Hamidin said, without his knowledge, the 55-year-old coach had undergone negotiations and agreed to join South Korean club Ulsan HD FC.
“What was disappointing for me was that he (Pan Gon) held a press conference and said among the reasons for his exit was failure to secure the national players he wanted, so I think he took this as an opportunity to leave.
“Finally, I got a phone call saying he had dealt with Ulsan HD FC, so this is the story, (this is) where he was unprofessional.
“It’s sad that FAM fell victim here, because he secured a high offer and left and gave incorrect reasons. FAM cannot be blamed as we took good care of him,” said Hamidin at a press conference at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya here today.
Hamidin said FAM did not pursue legal action against Pan Gon as he served the national team well.
“We all appreciate his services, so no action was taken, even when, professionally, we can ask for a compensation of 1.5 years.
“My only disappointment is that he did not reveal the truth. He should have been more open,” said Hamidin, referring to how Pan Gon pledged months prior that he would see out his contract with Harimau Malaya until the end of 2025.
Last month, Pan Gon resigned for personal reasons after two years and four months as head coach of the national football team.
Not two weeks later, Pan Gon was appointed head coach of Ulsan HD FC.
— Bernama
