MHC president Subahan Kamal said former international Arul has been given a two-year contract and his main target is to prepare a strong team for the 2022 Asian Games.

Subahan said Arul, currently in Dublin, is expected to begin his duties within two weeks after completing the mandatory quarantine on his return to Kuala Lumpur.

“The new coach will be given the opportunity to select players he feels need to be absorbed back into the national team because the Razak Cup will take place and all national players are allowed to represent their respective state teams,” he told reporters in Bukit Jalil today.

Subahan said for the time being, assistant coach Amin Rahim will take charge of training sessions.

Subahan confirmed MHC had accepted the resignation of Oltmans, 66, effective Aug 1, although the contract of the former Pakistan head coach ends in October.

Oltmans tendered his resignation to MHC yesterday.

“I’ve been out of the country for about nine years and without the Covid-19 virus, I would have stayed until the end of my contract but in this uncertain situation, I had to choose my family and myself,” Oltmans said in his letter.