KUALA LUMPUR – Former minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to take decisive action to restore Malaysia’s reputation as a center for international club football friendlies.
Speaking to Scoop, Khairy mentioned that bringing in leading European clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Barcelona, which used to frequently visit for pre-season tours, would boost sports tourism and contribute millions to the national economy.
“In the early 2000s, Malaysia was a hotspot for major football friendlies. These weren’t just matches – they were national events that drew tourists, filled hotels, and boosted the local economy,” he said when met after the Manchester United vs Asean All-Stars press conference on Saturday.
“We had fans coming in from Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore – even as far as China. There is no reason we shouldn’t be doing this again.”
Khairy warned that Malaysia risks falling further behind regional rivals Thailand and Singapore, who have aggressively courted major clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and AS Roma in recent years.
“Other countries are moving forward, and we’ve been left behind,” he said.
“We have the stadiums, the fans, and the infrastructure. What is missing is the initiative.
“We need a serious push from KBS and FAM to make Malaysia a key venue for these tours once again.
“Every year we don’t act, we lose out on revenue, global visibility, and the opportunity to position Malaysia as a football destination.”
Khairy who once served as the deputy president of FAM added that beyond economic impact, hosting such events would inspire a new generation of local talent and energise the sport at grassroots level.
“These events are not just about revenue. When you see your football idols playing live at Bukit Jalil, it leaves a lasting impression. It motivates a generation. It lifts the game at every level.”
From 2001 to 2013, Malaysia had a successful period of hosting top football clubs.
The visits of Manchester United in 2009 and Liverpool in 2011 attracted over 80,000 fans to Bukit Jalil Stadium. Arsenal’s visit in 2011 saw more than 50,000 attendees, and Chelsea’s tour in 2013 also filled the national stadium.
During this time, reports suggest that the revenue from sports tourism linked to these matches reached around RM105 million.
However, the momentum slowed down after Liverpool’s 2015 visit, which ended in a 1-1 draw against the Malaysian XI, marking the last appearance of a major European club in the country.
After almost ten years, Malaysia is set to host a major football match once again, with Manchester United facing the ASEAN All Stars at Bukit Jalil Stadium on May 28.
Reports indicate that over 60,000 tickets have already been sold, highlighting a significant interest from the public for the return of top-tier football to Malaysia. – May 19, 2025