KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is looking at ways to qualify for the World Cup for the first time and needs the support of all parties so that the historic feat can be achieved, said Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Based on his experience, Hamidin said, success requires support from various aspects, among them the government, domestic league, and supporters.
He said Malaysia’s success in confirming a spot in the 2023 Asian Cup in June last year was an example of support from all to ensure Harimau Malaya end their 42-year wait to qualify on merit since the last edition in 1980 in Kuwait.
“We qualified for the 2023 Asian Cup because we played (the qualifying round) on home ground and Malaysian fans gave their support. Our bid (to host) was also one of the elements of success,” he said here recently.
Commenting further, Hamidin, who was elected as a member of the FIFA Council for the 2023-2027 term earlier this month, said the success in the Asian Cup was also influenced by the improving local league competition, development programmes, national team preparation, and good coaches.
He said all efforts need to be continuously improved to enable Malaysia to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, or at least advance further in the qualifying rounds.
“Even if we don't qualify, we want to get closer (to the World Cup). We are currently ranked 25th in Asia, and (Asian) teams qualify on 8+1 (playoffs), so we must be in the 15th to 10th top position to compete for a slot.
“We need to move step by step, and with cooperation and planning through the F:30 (roadmap), we are already in that direction and are producing more talented local players,” he said.
Despite changing coaches, Malaysia has not qualified for the World Cup since 1930, with the country often left stranded in the second round of the qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile, Hamidin, who has held the position of FAM president since 2018, said he hopes the fans will continue to give constructive views in the mission to restore the nation’s football glory.
He said the fans have the right to give their views and comments, and as FAM's number one person, he has to look into the views raised, even on social media .
He said some fans have thoughtful ideas that will be examined.
“I will leave it if the view offered is wrong, but if there is something good, I will direct the officials to look into it, because the fans, including our (local) bloggers, comprise clever young people.
“They make comparisons with foreign leagues. It’s good to make comparisons. I have to weigh and put aside what is not good, but I will pick the good ones. I have to accept the fact that fans can say what they want,” he said. – Bernama, February 21, 2023
