Khairy Tells FAM To Disband Harimau Muda Squad

1 April, 2015

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has urged the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to diband the Harimau Muda squad and focus on football development programmes at grassroot level.

"I have informed this matter (suggestion to disband Harimau Muda squad) to a FAM representative today," he told reporters after launching the Garmin wristwatch with GPS navigation here, today.

Khairy said this when asked to comment on the bland performance of the national U-22 squad in the AFC U-23 Qualifying Championship 2016.

Malaysia ended the campaign with losses to Vietnam (1-2) and Japan (0-1). The only win was against whipping boys Macau (2-0).

"I had suggested the formation of Harimau Muda squad to FAM when I became the deputy president. It was a short-term programme.

"I had also suggested that the Harimau Muda squad be disbanded to allow the players to play for their clubs or state teams.

"In this way, the players will know their level of achievement and can improve their skills and performance."

Referring to Japan's Under-23 squad, Khairy said all the players played for clubs in the local league before being called up to the national team.

"Real improvement will take at least five to 10 years. By then, we will have a new generation of players via the PPBN programme (National Football Development Programme).

"We also want the Malaysian league to be more competitive. If not, we will get the same result over and over," he added.

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