KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has come again under scrutiny following its team's disconcerting failure at the Under-23 Asian Cup qualifier in Doha.
Malaysia played only two group matches and were already eliminated, following identical 2-0 losses to Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
And this has led to fans questioning the national association's priorities and development strategies.
Sports observer Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has raised concerns about FAM's focus, and he suggested that the national association may be neglecting crucial aspects of development while prioritising the senior national team.
"Is FAM living in a wonderland, detached from reality?" said Pekan.
"Placing lofty targets on national teams without addressing fundamental development issues is akin to building castles in the air," added Pekan who highlighted Malaysia's lacklustre performance at the Under-23 Asian Cup.
The one-sided defeats to Vietnam and Uzbekistan showed there is a big difference between FAM's aspirations and the team's actual capabilities.
Pekan called for a comprehensive overhaul of Malaysia's football development system, and to address issues ranging from talent identification to coaching methodologies.
"Without swift and meaningful reforms, dreams of Olympic and World Cup qualification will remain distant fantasies.
"We risk being left behind by regional counterparts like Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand unless we address the systemic shortcomings in our football ecosystem," said Pekan.