Malaysia football officials consider foreign coaches for national team

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is considering the appointment of a foreign coach to lead the national football team, Harimau Malaya, to improve performance on the Asian stage.

FAM President Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan stated that foreign coaches bring specialized expertise and international experience that can act as a ‘technology transfer’ to benefit local coaches. He emphasized that any decision regarding a new head coach will be made collectively, prioritizing the team's upcoming World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying campaigns.

Football observer Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli supported the move, suggesting that while local coaches are capable, foreign coaches often bring high-intensity training approaches, sports science knowledge, and greater autonomy. Ramli noted that local coaches frequently face ecosystem pressures and management interference, whereas foreign appointments are typically granted more independence to implement long-term plans.