The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) believes Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was referring to social media users who criticised Johor players over Malaysia's crushing defeat to Palestine.

FAM secretary-general Hamidin Mohd Amin said this in response to the crown prince who had remarked that the national football squad should not use Johor players anymore.

"I think the crown prince's statement referred to social media users who criticised his players," he told a press conference today.

"That may be his view when there are quarters who tried to link the defeat with his players," he added.

Tunku Ismail's statement came after what he described as "attempts to blame Johor players" for Malaysia's 6-0 defeat to Palestine Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, Hamidin said the crown prince's suggestion was not the solution to the current plight faced by Malaysian football.

Hamidin said FAM would continue choosing players who wish to play for the national team.

"Any team that is called by FAM or national coaches must make themselves available, unless there are injuries," he said.

After the humiliating defeat on Tuesday night, national team coach Dollah Salleh said his players gave up after they fell behind by three goals.

Dollah added he had wanted to enlist more young players for the game but many were unavailable as they were at the SEA games.

In January, Palestine also defeated the Johor football team 4-1 in a friendly match in Sydney.