KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya will not be privatised and will continue to be managed by the FA of Malaysia (FAM), despite recent speculation.
FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi revealed that a special unit within FAM will be formed to oversee the national team's affairs.
The unit will manage and monitor both the national senior team and the Under-23 squad, including their funding and coaching staff.
Yusoff confirmed that the unit will report to FAM president Tan Sri Hamidin Amin and the executive committee.
"This is still being discussed and will be finalised by the end of the year," said Yusoff after the FAM executive committee meeting at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya, today.
"In reality, there's no such thing as the national team being privatised. A special unit will handle Harimau Malaya and the national Under-23 squad.
"The funds will be specifically managed to ensure the budget is used only for team-related matters," he added.
The initiative, proposed by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, was also discussed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"It is an initiative to help improve the national team," Yusoff added.
Last month, Tunku Ismail, who also owns Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), shared a document titled "National Squad Strategy" on Instagram, sparking speculation that Harimau Malaya might soon operate independently from FAM.
According to the document, the proposed organisation would be led by a technical director and supported by a coaching director, COO, head coach, strategy and evaluation director, and Human Resources manager.