KUALA LUMPUR – Former Harimau Malaya star Safee Sali has thrown his hat into the ring to help reshape Malaysian football, signalling his readiness to take on a leadership role at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) as the national body faces an unprecedented leadership vacuum.
The national body is operating without an executive committee after all Exco members resigned at the end of January. In the interim, FAM is being managed by its secretariat under the guidance of secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman, with support from a task force from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to assess governance and operational issues.
Safee, who was the top scorer in the 2010 AFF Cup, sees the crisis as a chance to contribute at a higher level, offering his vision for the future of the sport.
“There is still hope, and I continue to carry the ambition of serving at FAM with me every step of the way. Watching how things are unfolding, especially with the AFC temporarily guiding the process, I hope their efforts will bring about positive change,” Safee shared in a recent interview.
“I want to be part of shaping that journey, contributing ideas, supporting reforms, and ensuring decisions made today create a stronger foundation for the future of Malaysian football,” he added.
The 38-year-old, who has played for clubs such as Selangor, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), and Kuala Lumpur City FC, as well as having a stint in Indonesia, believes his extensive experience both on and off the pitch provides him with a unique perspective on leadership in football.
“Football is more than just a game; it is a sport that unites communities and inspires people. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work closely with grassroots programmes and local communities, both here and abroad. I’ve seen how football can change lives, bring hope, and create opportunities,” Safee said.
Leadership, according to him, is not just about managing competitions or clubs but about supporting the people who play the game and ensuring their voices are heard in every decision.
“My ambition is driven by a desire to strengthen football at all levels and create a system that truly serves the sport and its community,” he explained. “Whatever role I take on, my goal is simple: to make Malaysian football progressive, structured, and inclusive.”
He added, “We need to focus on developing young talent, strengthening our leagues, and building a system that truly represents and benefits the grassroots community. InshaAllah, I hope to contribute to that vision and help Malaysian football grow in a way that lasts for generations.”
Safee’s call for action comes at a crucial time when the state of Malaysian football demands urgent reform, particularly in areas such as youth development, governance, and the structure of the domestic league. – February 22, 2026