Budget 2026 sends 'clear message' to FAM on performance - Experts

SHAH ALAM – Budget 2026’s minimal allocation for football indicates the government's call for stronger governance and accountability within the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) before further federal funding is considered, according to experts.

Political analyst James Chin said there was nothing unusual about the limited funding for football in the national budget.

“If you look at previous budgets, football has never received major allocations because the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is a semi-independent body under FIFA, not directly governed by the federal government,” he said.

He highlighted that funding for football traditionally comes from state governments rather than federal sources.

“So this year’s approach is consistent with previous budgets and I don’t see any real issue with it,” he added.

Meanwhile, political analyst Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri said the message from the government to FAM is clear: the association must strengthen its structure and governance if it wants continued support.

“The government is prioritising sports with stronger potential to bring home medals.

"Football needs to demonstrate the same level of professionalism and value, both in terms of performance and as a form of public entertainment,” she said.

Syaza added that the government appears focused on funding sports that have shown measurable returns and accountability.

On the other hand, political analyst Arif Anwar Lokmanol Hakim said the issue should not be seen as a direct reflection of the government’s stance on football.

“The government often provides allocations for national sports teams separately, even if it’s not mentioned in the budget speech,” he said.

He emphasised that football funding often comes from sources outside the official federal budget.

“In the case of football, funding usually comes from outside the official budget because the FAM already has its own sponsors and financial support,” he said.