KUALA LUMPUR – Former Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has strongly criticised Malaysia’s football leadership for its “quick-fix mentality”, arguing that the nation’s sporting progress will remain fragile as long as grassroots development continues to be neglected.
Speaking to Scoop, he observed that the country’s sports system is in disarray, caused by years of misplaced priorities focusing on immediate results rather than steady, sustainable growth.
“The real issue lies within the broader structure of our sports system — it’s in disarray. We’ve neglected grassroots development for far too long, and as a result, the success we’re trying to build isn’t sustainable.”
He added that too much emphasis is placed on short-term gains and headline-pleasing wins, while genuine investment in nurturing long-term talent is sidelined.
“There’s too much emphasis on short-term gains … rather than investing in long-term growth and talent development. Until we change that mindset, Malaysian football will continue to face the same challenges, no matter who’s in charge.”
Wan Fayhsal, who continues to maintain close ties with grassroots football organisations, remarked that coaches, parents and young players often feel disheartened when the development pathway appears to favour quick successes over nurturing home-grown prospects.
“This approach doesn’t just affect performance as it affects morale too. When young players lose faith in the system, we lose an entire generation of potential talent.”
He also voiced serious concern over the weakness within Malaysia’s sporting institutions, describing them as lacking structure, accountability and long-term vision.
“Our sporting institutions are weak and that’s the root of the problem. They lack the structural strength and the foresight needed to build lasting success. Until we strengthen those foundations, progress will always be limited and fragile.”
The Machang MP’s remarks come in the wake of FIFA’s recent sanctions against seven players and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The sanctioned players are Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano.
FIFA’s investigation concluded that FAM had submitted doctored documents in an attempt to field these players in an Asian Cup qualifier.
According to FIFA, the association submitted documents claiming the players’ grandparents were Malaysian, while records indicate the grandparents were born in Spain, Argentina, Brazil and the Netherlands.
In response, FAM has stated its intention to appeal the sanctions, disputing FIFA’s findings and asserting that no evidence was presented to substantiate the allegations.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail defended the legality of the registration process, stating that the birth certificates for the footballers’ grandparents were lawfully issued under Section 10A, once the Registrar-General was satisfied with the evidence provided. – October 9, 2025