KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football legend Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail has stressed that the management of the national team should not be entirely separated from the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
Jamal pointed out that FAM is the organisation entrusted by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) with the responsibility of preparing the national team for tournaments under the jurisdiction of these two governing bodies.
Referring to Harimau Malaya, he suggested that a 'special' or private organisation could be established to manage the national team but insisted it must remain under the purview of FAM.
On Tuesday, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), revealed a document titled "National Squad Strategy" on his Instagram account, hinting Harimau Malaya might soon operate independently from FAM.
The development follows Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a RM15 million allocation for the national football team's development and player welfare.
Jamal also noted that Tunku Ismail's proposal needs to be thoroughly examined to understand its full implications.
"I don't think any other country has privatised their national team. They are all managed by their respective governing bodies," Jamal said.
"What would be the role of FAM if Harimau Malaya's affairs are managed by a separate entity? FAM is answerable to FIFA and the AFC. Any tournament the national team wishes to participate in must go through FAM, as mandated by FIFA and AFC."
"FAM is a member of FIFA and AFC, so it should manage the national team. Even if the organisation is private, FAM must oversee it.
"If FAM has no control over the national team, FIFA and AFC might question FAM's role."
"So, I believe that Tunku Ismail's suggestion requires a thorough study to determine what exactly is meant by privatisation," he added.