KUALA LUMPUR: Kim Pan Gon's decision to resign as national football team head coach is final, and there is no room for negotiation, says Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
She disclosed that she met with Pan Gon yesterday and they discussed his decision to quit the national team.
"I feel sad that he is resigning," said Yeoh today.
"I asked him whether this was final or if there is any room for us to appeal or to ask him to reconsider. He said he has made his decision, all that is left for him now are his sweet memories with Malaysia."
Yeoh, however, said Pan Gon is willing to help develop Malaysian football in a different capacity, though she did not elaborate on the matter.
She added that there is no doubt that Pan Gon helped Malaysian football improve over the last two years.
"As minister, I can say that he played a role in improving the football industry in Malaysia," she said.
"I saw the confidence of Malaysians increase since he took on the job in 2022 until now.
"If you look at the stadiums (during national team matches) they are always full and the performance and ranking of the national team is always being discussed. His contributions cannot be denied, and the government thanks him for his services."
Pan Gon confirmed that he has resigned as head coach with immediate effect during a press conference at Wisma FAM earlier today. He said the decision was made due to personal reasons.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have appointed Pau Marti Vicente as interim head coach.