FAM's strict control stifles Malaysia's football growth, says Sayf Ismail
Fragmented football ecosystem hindering grassroots development in Malaysia.
SHAH ALAM - Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) tight control over the sport, coupled with a lack of collaboration within the football ecosystem, is hindering the growth of football in the country.
Former FAM presidential candidate, Sayf Ismail pointed out that one of the main challenges with FAM lies in its restrictive oversight of football leagues.
According to him, instead of stifling initiatives with bureaucracy and financial burdens, FAM should focus on fostering grassroots development and supporting the sport at its foundational level.
“If someone wants to run a sanctioned league and adheres to basic guidelines; avoiding malpractices like overcharging or exploiting players and parents, they should be allowed to proceed without unnecessary hurdles.
“Football’s growth depends on fostering participation, not restricting it with excessive regulations,” he said in Sinar Daily’s Sports Matters Podcast.
Sayf also voiced concerns about the lack of collaboration within Malaysia’s football ecosystem.
He stated that while football is inherently a team sport requiring unity and cooperation, off the field, key organisations such as the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), private academies, FAM and state football associations (FA) often operate in silos, each prioritising their own goals and performance metrics.
“This fragmented approach undermines grassroots development, and leadership has a critical role to play in addressing this issue.
"If I were FAM’s president, my first step would be to engage with relevant ministers to create a unified plan for talent development, establishing clear pathways from grassroots to professional levels.
"The aim would not be to take over existing initiatives or request additional budgets but to ensure a coordinated effort that benefits players at all levels,” he added.
In contrast, Sayf stated that football continues to thrive in regions like Africa despite political and organisational challenges.
Numerous independent leagues in these regions provide players with opportunities to develop their skills without external interference.
Malaysia, he suggested, could take valuable lessons from these examples.
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