Malaysia national football team coaching search

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is evaluating the appointment of a foreign coach for the national team, Harimau Malaya, to enhance performance in upcoming World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying campaigns. FAM President Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan noted that foreign expertise could facilitate a ‘technology transfer’ to benefit local coaches.

Following these considerations, reports emerged linking Japan national team manager Hajime Moriyasu to the role. FAM President Abu Gang Hassan addressed these rumors, clarifying that there have been no concrete negotiations or contact with Moriyasu. The association continues to weigh the benefits of external expertise against domestic leadership, with Tan Cheng Hoe currently serving as the interim manager.

Football observers have since urged FAM to move forward with a permanent foreign head coach. Prof. Madya Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim suggested that interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who also serves as Technical Director, may have reached a ceiling in elevating the squad to international success. Dr. Zulakbal proposed that a foreign coach could introduce a new work culture, while Tan could transition into an assistant role to provide technical input.

Tan Cheng Hoe has declined to comment on speculation regarding his permanent position, focusing instead on monitoring players in the Malaysia League and abroad to select squads for upcoming international friendlies against China and Yemen.