KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) believes the upcoming restructuring of the national team administration will help prevent the chaotic issues currently plaguing Harimau Malaya at the ongoing Asean Cup from repeating.
The Harimau Malaya camp has turned into a "merry-go-round," with players coming in and out of the national team to play for their clubs in the M-League.
This stems from the fact that the Asean Cup does not fall within the FIFA window, meaning clubs are not obligated to release their players.
The situation has left interim national coach Pau Marti Vicente with a major headache, resulting in inconsistent performances – a 2-2 draw with Cambodia, a 3-2 win over Timor Leste and a 1-0 loss to Thailand in their Group A matches.
FAM is expected to establish a new unit to monitor and manage the national team.
Although details remain sketchy, FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said the new unit could provide stability.
"I think, in the future, a better understanding is needed to avoid players coming and going from the national camp, as well as too many players being called up from certain teams, which affects their quality," Yusoff said after signing a partnership with Konami eFootball in Damansara today.
"With the new unit, these aspects will be considered, and anything that puts the national team in a bad light will be avoided or reduced.
"We need to make sure the national team remain competitive, and we must avoid unnecessary distractions."
Yusoff added that incoming national coach Peter Cklamovski will officially begin his tenure in January.
The Australian will assemble his own coaching team, including a local assistant.
Caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente, meanwhile, will remain in charge until the end of the Asean Cup on Jan 5.
"Vicente's task is to lead the team through the AFF Cup. If he takes us further in the competition, he stays in charge. The new coach will focus on the Asian Cup qualifiers starting in March," said Yusoff.
"The norm is to have a local assistant coach alongside a foreign head coach to help them adapt to our football culture.
"We brought in Cklamovski to guide the team to the Asian Cup. I'm not certain of the exact KPI, but the Asian Cup remains our target."