FAM reject Khairy's view on NFDP

KUALA LUMPUR - The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) insist that they, being the national football governing body, should be responsible for managing the National Football Development Programme (NFDP).

FAM acting president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi clarified this when rejecting the view of former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who felt that the NFDP should continue to be handled by the National Sports Council (NSC).

Mohd Yusoff said FAM are ready to lead NFDP to a higher level in terms of producing more talented young players.

"Although we face several constraints and challenges, including funding issues, we are ready to take over the NFDP if asked to do so. As the governing body, FAM are more than ready to play a significant role in the development of grassroots football in the country.

"Football development comes under FAM. We cannot have two entities managing the same matter, as otherwise it will become uncoordinated,” he said in a statement today.

Media reports yesterday quoted Khairy as saying that the NFDP should continue to be handled by the NSC for now, since FAM and the state associations are far from ready to take over that responsibility.

Mohd Yusoff, however, said he was ready to accept the views and criticisms of all parties for the good of football in the country.

"All these criticisms can be used as a guide for us to improve the NFDP. What is important is that we get positive inputs to enhance the quality of the NFDP,” he said.

The NFDP, launched by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on April 10, 2014, is a comprehensive football development programme for players aged between seven and 17 in every state. - BERNAMA