[UPDATED] FAM to receive RM10 mil boost to develop football further: PM

PUTRAJAYA – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will be getting a RM10 million injection to develop the sport further, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob after a groundbreaking ceremony at its headquarters in Presint 5.

He said the development of football should be made a national agenda and not the sole responsibility of FAM alone.

He added that with the new headquarters, it is hoped that FAM will get the support it needs to produce a team of international standards. 

“The responsibility in developing the local football scene lies not only on the shoulders of FAM, but all parties, including the government.

“I’m also a huge football fan and always follow Harimau Malaya and their fans, the Ultras. They are hungry for success, to return to the glory days of the 1970s.

“I believe grassroots development is crucial and requires a high level of professionalism, as well as proper planning. After all, failing to plan is planning to fail.

“The government is serious in developing Malaysian football, in line with FAM’s F:30 blueprint, so we will be allocating RM10 million to FAM this year.”

Ismail Sabri said F:30’s main target is to ensure the national football team is one of the top five teams in Asia by 2030. 

He added that Chelsea and the Vietnam national team are the best examples of success in football development and should be emulated by Malaysia. 

“Vietnam was 172 in 2006, but it’s now one of the only teams to make the final qualification rounds for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

“What differentiates them from us is their grassroots development.” 

He said Vietnam’s Hoang Ang Gia Lai academy has partnerships with Arsenal, JMG Academy in France and has the support of the Vietnamese conglomerate.

If Malaysia starts improving its academies and grassroots, he said, the nation will be able to develop high calibre football talents as well. 

Hamidin said the new office complex will be named Kompleks FAM Sultan Ahmad Shah to commemorate the late Sultan of Pahang and his contributions to the sport. 

He added that the cost to build the complex is estimated to be around RM30 million to RM35 million and the project is expected to be completed in three years. 

“It will be equipped with complete and modern facilities such as an auditorium, video assistant referee rooms, futsal courts, and more. 

“I believe with such facilities, it will make it easier for FAM to further drive the growth and development of the local football industry.” – The Vibes, January 17, 2022