KUALA LUMPUR: FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub has denied speculation that the national football team were no longer part of the governing body.
He said today Harimau Malaya remain under FAM.
Talk of the national team operating independently had emerged following perceptions that Harimau Malaya were being run separately, especially with the involvement of Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in supporting the squad’s development.
Joehari, however, made it clear that Harimau Malaya remain under FAM’s jurisdiction, although “external assistance” is welcomed.
“The national team are still under FAM, under our national team committee, and within FAM’s structure. It is not separate or operating under a different identity,” said Joehari.
He acknowledged Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s contributions, crediting the Johor Darul Ta’zim club owner and former FAM president for playing a crucial role in revolutionising the national team.
“Tunku Mahkota Ismail helps, we are grateful for it because it allows us to move forward. Whoever wants to help, we accept, and Tunku Mahkota Ismail has helped a lot,” he said.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail has been the driving force behind Harimau Malaya’s transformation, overseeing key appointments that have elevated the team’s professionalism and competitiveness. This includes the hiring of Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend, former Australia national team coaching staff member, and ex-FC Tokyo manager Peter Cklamovski.
The project is also backed by Australian football greats such as Tim Cahill, renowned high-performance expert Dr Craig Duncan, as well as former Socceroos Mark Milligan and Matt Smith.
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