KUALA LUMPUR — The search for a new chief executive officer (CEO) for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to lead the national team is nearly complete, said Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim in a social media post today.
“The chief executive officer of the Malaysia national team must be someone who understands football and knows the sport professionally so he can relate to the technical, commercial, and interpersonal aspects of football,” Tunku Ismail wrote.
He emphasised the need for the CEO to be deeply connected within the football industry, have ties with successful football figures, and possess entrepreneurial skills to enhance Harimau Malaya’s commercial prospects.
“He must also be able to advise the league on policies that would, directly and indirectly, improve the standing of the national team because a strong league with more well-managed teams will lift the standards of Malaysian football,” he added.
The appointment comes as part of FAM’s efforts to establish a dedicated unit to monitor the performance and management of Malaysia’s national football teams.
This initiative, proposed by Tunku Ismail during a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was announced by FAM in October.
The new CEO is expected to work alongside key appointments made by FAM earlier this month.
Australian football legend Tim Cahill has been appointed as the national team technical advisor, tasked with improving technical and coordination skills while monitoring the squad’s development.
On December 16, FAM further announced Peter Cklamovski as the new national head coach and Nafuzi Zain as the U-23 head coach. Both will officially assume their roles on January 1.
Tunku Ismail’s vision aligns with the strategic overhaul aimed at strengthening Harimau Malaya.
He envisions a leader who not only has experience at the highest level of football but also understands the nuances of growing the sport commercially and improving league standards.
This announcement comes amidst high expectations for the national team, with stakeholders anticipating improved performances under the new structure and leadership. — December 27, 2024