KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) foresees no issues if Harimau Malaya operate 'independently' in the future, as long as the national men's football team remain under the jurisdiction of the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
AFC general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John said the confederation is not against the idea, provided everything is managed by FAM.
"We first need to see how the project will be implemented. I use the term 'project' because everything must be under FAM's control or responsibility," he said.
"That's why we need to examine the details — who the management is, who makes the decisions, and how funds are allocated.
"Any project must be under FAM, as the FA deals with AFC, FIFA and any other external bodies, not other companies or management.
"The FAM secretary general's signature is what counts, not anyone else, as this is the standard in terms of administration, structure, and governance."
Windsor told reporters this after the launch of the AFC Medical Conference, which was also attended by Youth and Sports Ministry secretary-general Dr K. Nagulendran.
Windsor pointed out that a similar approach was used when Malaysia hosted the 1997 World Youth Championship.
At that time, the national youth squad were managed by another body, but still under FAM, with the late Tan Sri Elyas Omar, former Kuala Lumpur Mayor and KLFA president, overseeing it.
"While it fell under FAM, this body had the authority to select the coaches for the national youth team back then.
"In fact, the Thailand national football team were previously managed by another party led by a businesswoman, not the association or stakeholders," he added.
He clarified that the term "privatisation" used in earlier media reports was inaccurate, describing it instead as a project.
Recently, Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail suggested in a social media post that the national team could operate separately, outlining the proposed independent body's structure, system, and role.
On the AFC Medical Conference, set for July 21-25 next year, Windsor said it will address the latest injury data, with presentations on injuries suffered during the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup, both held in Qatar. – BERNAMA