Malaysia’s sports media landscape was rocked on Tuesday after Twentytwo13 Managing Editor and prominent sports commentator Haresh Deol revealed that he was attacked by two unidentified individuals in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
Haresh, known for his bold and uncompromising criticism of Malaysian football governance, especially issues tied to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and FIFA’s findings on naturalised players, shared the shocking update via his social media. He confirmed that one of the attackers recorded the assault, raising concerns of intimidation and targeted harassment.
He has since lodged a police report. Haresh sustained minor injuries, while the motive behind the assault remains unknown.
Haresh, also the Deputy President of the National Press Club (NPC), has long been a strong critic of governance failures involving FAM, transparency issues, and document legitimacy surrounding naturalised players.
During FAM’s first press conference on 17 October 2025 following FIFA’s sanctions, Haresh criticised the session as:
“A case study of failed crisis communication.”
He said FAM merely read out a timeline without addressing core concerns and that he left the event with more questions than answers, calling it a reflection of weak leadership and unclear messaging.
In interviews with Al Jazeera and international podcasts, Haresh also criticised Malaysia’s:
“Obsession with foreign players for quick results,”
labeling it a shortcut culture harmful to long-term football development.
Latest, The Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) has issued a strong statement condemning the assault.
SAM President Ismadi Abdul Manap called for an urgent and thorough investigation:
“An attack on any journalist is an extreme act that cannot be tolerated.
SAM will not allow our members to work in fear or trauma.”
According to SAM’s statement, the incident occurred around 3:30 pm, with two assailants attacking Haresh while another individual recorded the event.
Before the attack, Haresh had been in discussion with several colleagues before walking alone to his car, where the assault took place.
Credit Photo : Stadium Astro
