We all saw Faiz Subri at The Best FIFA awards looking absolutely dapper in a pressed white shirt, sleek black suit and an elegant bowtie.
But little did we know that the bowtie he wore that night was the result of a last minute favour by a member of his Zurich entourage.
While getting dressed in the Kameha Grand Zurich hotel, Faiz Subri realised that he had left his bowtie at home, most probably in Penang. With only two hours left on the clock, we can only imagine how he must have quivered in anxiety as his stomach did somersaults.
Thankfully, Faiz was in the company of Akbar Sahari, an Astro Arena presenter who had offered to help Faiz get dressed for what was possibly the biggest night of his life. Akbar was assisted by his cameraman Azri and producer, Sollehudin.
As soon as Faiz was done suiting up, the trio were going to shoot an exclusive documentary on the 30-year Penang FA midfielder.
Whilst in the midst of devising a strategy to fix Faiz’s fashion faux pas, it occurred to Akbar that he had packed both a tie and a bowtie for the event. His black bowtie was given to him by his wife, and it costed only 3 GBP (RM 16.50).
Without further hesitation, Akbar offered his bowtie to Faiz, and Faiz obliged. Akbar carefully manoeuvred his way around the bowtie, making sure every bit of it was perfect as Faiz was about head off to such a prestigious, glamorous night.
Little did he know that that bowtie was going to be a part a huge, historical moment.
The rest goes without saying, Faiz attended The Best FIFA awards with that particular RM 16.50 bowtie, and made history as he became the only Asian and Malaysian to ever bag the FIFA PUSKAS award.
The next morning, Faiz handed the bowtie back to Akbar and thanked him for it. Akbar stared at the bowtie as realised what had transpired.
“I’m framing this up!” he thought to himself. “Thank you Faiz Subri.”
Who knew there was so much to that bowtie we saw on TV! Thank you, Akbar, for being Faiz Subri’s fashion saviour that night 🙂
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan
