The New Face of Malaysian Football: Robert Douglas Friend Appointed as CEO of National Team
Kuala Lumpur, December 31, 2022 – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has finally ended the speculation surrounding the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the national team, announcing that Robert Douglas Friend, a former Canadian national player, will take on the role.
Background and Experience
Friend, also known as Rob Friend, is a seasoned football professional with a wealth of experience in management and administration. He has been involved in various football-related projects, including the establishment and development of clubs, training centers, and stadiums. His impressive portfolio includes:
- Managing Partner at DRG Investment Group, a real estate investment and management company, from 2014 to present.
- Founder of Toca Football Canada, a football-specific training technology, from 2017 to 2021.
- Managing Partner at SixFive Sports Fund, an investment body in professional football and infrastructure development, from 2019 to present.
Professional Football Career
As a player, Friend has represented several top-level clubs, including German clubs Borussia Monchengladbach, Hertha Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt, and 1860 Munich, as well as the American club, LA Galaxy. At the international level, he made 32 appearances for Canada between 2003 and 2011.
New Role and Responsibilities
As the new CEO of the national team, Friend will be responsible for leading the establishment and strategic development of the club, developing training centers, overseeing all aspects of the club’s operations, including player purchases, coaching staff appointments, sponsorship negotiations, and financial management. His role will involve ensuring the new organisational structure is equipped with a quality and experienced workforce to provide a strong national team.
Conclusion
The appointment of Robert Douglas Friend as the CEO of the national team marks a new era for Malaysian football. His extensive experience in management and administration, combined with his professional football career, makes him an ideal candidate for the role. We wish him all the best in his new position and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Robert Douglas Friend’s background?
A: He is a former Canadian national player with experience in management and administration.
Q: What are his qualifications for the role?
A: He has a wealth of experience in football management and administration, having worked in various capacities, including club ownership, stadium development, and training centers.
Q: What are his goals for the national team?
A: He aims to lead the team to success, ensuring the new organisational structure is equipped with a quality and experienced workforce to provide a strong national team.
Q: When does he start his new role?
A: He will begin his duties at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya next month.