KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is set to break the bank to hire a world-class head coach to propel Harimau Malaya forward after the upcoming AFF tournament.
A highly reliable source from the football fraternity revealed that FAM plans to submit an official proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who will be overseeing the new national team structure. The proposal will evaluate whether the shortlisted coaches align with the RM15 million allocation provided to FAM under Budget 2025.
The source revealed that FAM intends to appoint a head coach with experience leading a national team to the FIFA World Cup.
“FAM has already shortlisted two high-profile coaches, both of whom have experience managing teams at the World Cup. Currently, the governing body is awaiting an opportunity to present their proposal to the prime minister, a process expected to take place next week.
“This is because the prime minister wants FAM to be accountable and to ensure the allocated funds are used wisely. However, one thing is certain—FAM will secure a coach who will cost more than Kim Pan-gon. Even if this exceeds the government’s allocation, the governing body may utilise its own resources, drawing on revenue streams to cover the additional costs.
“The reports linking former JDT head coach Benjamin Mora and former Vietnam head coach Park Hang-seo to the job are untrue,” the source added.
Earlier, Scoop reported that Australian football legend Tim Cahill had been appointed as the national team’s technical advisor by FAM, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Considering Cahill’s previous collaboration with several head coaches during his playing career, many of whom are currently available, including David Moyes, Jürgen Klinsmann, Mike Petke, Hans Backe, Gregorio Manzano, Gus Poyet, César Ferrando, and Steve Coppell.
It is understood that with Cahill in, the frontrunner for the Harimau Malaya head coach role could be Carlos Queiroz. The Portuguese previously worked with Cahill at the Qatar Football Association, where Cahill served as technical director, and Queiroz was the head coach from February to December last year.
Queiroz also brings a wealth of experience, having managed Real Madrid and served as assistant coach at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. He successfully led Portugal to the 2010 World Cup and Iran to the 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments.
“There is a high likelihood of FAM appointing a head coach with whom Cahill can work seamlessly and comfortably,” the source added.
Harimau Malaya is currently under the guidance of Pau Marti Vicente, who was promoted following the sudden departure of Pan-gon in July.
According to FAM, Pau Marti will step down as interim head coach after Harimau Malaya’s AFF Cup campaign. – December 6, 2024