FAM's High Costs for National Teams Acknowledged

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) acknowledges a substantial financial commitment to its national teams, encompassing senior, youth, women's, and futsal squads. This significant expenditure is not solely for the senior "Harimau Malaya" team but covers a broad spectrum of national footballing efforts.

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FAM's expenses are biggest indeed for the national team. The national team, you must remember, is not just the senior national team, but also the Under-23, Under-19, and Under-17 teams; the expenses are indeed very high.

FAM president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin explained that costs escalate with international participation, including flights, accommodation, and player allowances. He cited an example of a trip to Mongolia costing at least RM400,000 to RM500,000 for basic expenses.

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Futsal men, futsal women, women's football, various age groups, those are all national teams. That is what is meant, not that you are talking about the senior national team. That is indeed high expenditure.

An audit by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) revealed that FAM uses 70 percent of its funds for national teams and administration, with only 30 percent allocated to development. Following this, AFC Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John stated the confederation would monitor FAM's spending to ensure optimal use of funds.

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Because, suffice it to say, if we (for example) go to Mongolia, the flight ticket is close to RM3,000. Not to mention (the cost of) hotel accommodation with allowances and all. That's why the minimum cost to go is RM400,000 to RM500,000.

Hamidin expressed confidence that the AFC's recommendations, presented at FAM's recent Extraordinary Congress, will lead to improved administrative quality. He emphasized that the audit's findings align with AFC and FIFA standards, viewing the process as a renewal initiative to enhance FAM's operations.

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We take this opportunity to build to a high standard and we want the restructuring of FAM to be truly among the best. But, you must understand what has been announced and done by the audit quality is largely in accordance with AFC and FIFA.