Football Association of Malaysia to Set Up Special Unit
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been tight-lipped about speculation that Australian football legend Tim Cahill could be involved in a special unit aimed at revolutionizing the Harimau Malaya squad.
FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman neither confirmed nor denied the matter when asked, responding with a brief "No comment, let’s wait" at the launch of the "Kopi Pablo Dollah" owned by national football legend Datuk Dollah Salleh.
Background
The speculation surrounding Cahill’s involvement in the special unit began when a photograph of him posing with the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail; Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim; and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) chief executive officer Alistair Edwards was uploaded on Tunku Mahkota Ismail’s Facebook page in August. Cahill is currently the chief sports officer at Aspire Academy and technical director for the Qatar Football Association.
FAM’s Plan
FAM deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi recently confirmed that the governing body will not privatize the Harimau Malaya squad and instead, create a new unit to monitor the performance and manage the national team as well as the Under-23 squad. The reason for creating the unit is to take care of the welfare and performance of national team players, ensuring they improve and that allocated funds are used only for the teams involved.
Timeline
Noor Azman revealed that an announcement on the special unit would be made next month. The idea of setting up the unit was mooted by Tunku Mahkota Ismail during a meeting with the prime minister.
Conclusion
The Football Association of Malaysia’s plan to set up a special unit has sparked speculation about Tim Cahill’s involvement. While FAM has remained tight-lipped about the matter, the governing body’s deputy president has confirmed that the unit will be created to monitor the performance and manage the national team and Under-23 squad. The unit is expected to be announced next month.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the special unit?
A: The unit is aimed at monitoring the performance and managing the national team and Under-23 squad.
Q: Who is involved in the special unit?
A: The identity of those involved in the special unit has not been confirmed.
Q: When will the announcement be made?
A: The announcement is expected to be made next month.
Q: Who is behind the idea of setting up the unit?
A: The idea was mooted by Tunku Mahkota Ismail during a meeting with the prime minister.