KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed that national football head coach Kim Pan-gon has resigned from his position with immediate effect.
Pan-gon, who has been with the squad since 2022, played a pivotal role in transforming the national team’s fortunes on the international stage, guiding them to qualify for the Asian Cup on merit after a 42-year absence.
The South Korean coach also led the Harimau Malaya to second-place finishes in the 2022 Thai King’s Cup and the 2023 Merdeka Tournament.
At a press conference at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya today, the 55-year-old revealed that his sudden decision to step down was due to personal commitments.
Pau Marti Vicente will take over as acting head coach of Harimau Malaya in the meantime until his contract expires at the end of 2025.
Pan-gon will be the only member leaving the coaching staff, and Pau will be supported by assistant head coach E. Elaravasan.
Pan-gon credited the team’s achievements during his tenure to the unwavering support of the FAM and Harimau Malaya fans, coupled with the dedication of the coaching staff.
“My hope is that FAM, the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, and all Malaysians will continue to support and encourage the national team to achieve the goal of qualifying for the Asian Cup for the second consecutive time.
“Since the day I came on board, I have always aimed to establish a proactive football philosophy for our national team, focusing on controlling and dominating the game.
“As a coach, I’m happy that I managed to make it happen as now we have players who have developed a strong character and mentality which are reflected in the way they play.
“For the rest of my life, I will always remember the blue skies of Malaysia, the clouds and trees, the friendly, lovely, bright Malaysian people, the taste of nasi lemak, and the smell of durian, all of which I love.
“I now consider myself a half-Malaysian, and I will always support the Harimau Malaya and be proud of the team wherever I go.
“Maybe when I wake up tomorrow morning, I will regret this decision, but this is a new journey for me and Malaysian football,” said Pan-gon during the press conference. – July 16, 2024