Latest news with #FAM
The Star
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Ex-PFAM boss Safee keeping door open for possible future lead role in FAM
PETALING JAYA: Former international Safee Sali has his eyes set on leading Malaysian football from the top – by becoming the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president one day. The former national striker officially stepped down as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) yesterday, ending a near seven-year tenure marked by strong advocacy for player welfare. For now, the 41-year-old Safee will shift his focus to his broadcasting career – but made it clear that his passion for football development is far from over. Having served as PFAM president since 2019, Safee's third term tenure was supposed to end in January 2026, but he has had a change of heart. Ready to go: Safee Sali officially stepped down as president of the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia yesterday. 'It was not an easy decision, I believe it is time for me to step aside and allow the younger generation to take the lead,' he said in a heartfelt statement. 'I love this game, but I have to let go, for now.' Safee disclosed that his perspective shifted after a recent trip to Japan, where he observed their national body being led by former national players, young, energetic, and deeply connected to the modern game. The Japan Football Association are currently led by former international footballer Tsuneyasu Miyamoto. 'When I saw how the FA in Japan are led by former national players, it really resonated with me,' said Safee. 'Maybe it's time for me to write another chapter. Maybe even consider the presidency of FAM one day. 'Only footballers truly understand what it takes to run this sport. 'I've left the door open for a possible leadership role in FAM as my unique blend of on-field experience and off-field administration can come in handy. 'It's not impossible. If I ever get the chance to do something bigger for football, I'll be ready. 'I believe I can bring value. I've been through everything, both as a player and a leader. I'm looking forward to what's next.' Safee said he has spoken with PFAM chief executive officer Izham Ismail and proposed that the current deputy president Razman Roslan take over on an interim basis until new elections are held at the end of the year. 'I want to give space for new faces, players who are passionate and serious about shaping this body,' he said. 'It's a great opportunity for the younger generation to learn about their rights and how to manage a professional football organisation.' Under Safee's leadership, PFAM grew in visibility and influence, championing players welfare, raising awareness on contractual rights, and strengthening the voice of footballers across Malaysia. Though stepping down, Safee made it clear he was not stepping away from the game entirely. Now more involved in broadcasting and commercial ventures, he remains active in the football industry. 'I'm really focused on the commercial side now and enjoying broadcasting work. But my passion for the game hasn't faded. 'I want to bring my experience, from playing to management, and use it to contribute more meaningfully to Malaysian football in the future.'
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Hannah can't interfere in FAM's affairs, MCA Youth leader told
DAP leader Yap Yee Vonne said Neow Choo Seong was the clear manifestation of MCA's 'split personality' in the unity government. PETALING JAYA : An aide to Hannah Yeoh has slammed MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong for urging the youth and sports minister to resign over her supposed inaction on issues involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). Yeoh's political secretary, Yap Yee Vonne, said FAM's statutes underline that the association must be run independently and 'avoid any undue political interference'. She also said that Fifa's statutes outline that national football associations should not allow their affairs to be influenced by third parties. 'Even so, the ministry has taken the initiative to provide a sports dispute committee because the Madani government is committed to providing resolution channels for all sports, not just football. 'If everything needs to be solved by the minister, we might as well dissolve all associations and hand everything to Putrajaya. 'My advice: if you don't understand sports governance structures, it's better to stay silent,' Yap, an appointed DAP central executive committee member, said in a statement. Neow accused Yeoh of washing her hands of FAM's issues after the minister said she did not know of claims of internal politics in Harimau Malaya as her ministry did not interfere with FAM and the management of the national squad. The MCA man said it was Yeoh's responsibility to understand the issues in sports and look for solutions, instead of using the 'excuse' of not wanting to interfere. Neow, a special officer (international relations) to deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof, also said Yeoh should step down as minister if she was incapable of doing so. Yap said Neow was free to criticise but should not be 'lazy' with his facts, especially if his goal was simply to score political points. 'It is truly baffling that Neow, a special officer to another minister, can so blatantly violate public services department regulations by demanding the resignation of another minister. 'Neow is the clear manifestation of the split personality of MCA today in the Madani government,' she added.
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Politics
- Focus Malaysia
'Be a critic but don't be lazy with your facts,' Hannah Yeoh's pol-sec lambasts MCA Youth's Neow over FAM issue
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh's political secretary Yap Yee Vonne has slammed MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong for calling for the minister's resignation over recent internal football issues. In a statement on Facebook, Yap stressed that Yeoh has never abandoned her responsibilities and has always respected the principle of autonomy for sports bodies, which is in line with the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) and International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) statutes that prohibit political interference in the management of associations. For context, Article 4 of the FAM Statute mandates that FAM shall remain independent and avoid any undue political interference. FAM shall manage its affairs independently and ensure its operations are not influenced by any third party. Meanwhile, Article 14 (1)(i) of FIFA Statute mandates that member associations have the obligation to manage their affairs independently and ensure that their affairs are not influenced by any third party, in accordance with Article 19 of this Statute. According to Article 19 of the FIFA Statute, which touches on the independence of member associations and their bodies, states that each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from any third party. 'However, Neow's statement seems to suggest that the minister should also be the team manager, coach and psychological advisor all in one, maybe even an athlete,' Yap said sarcastically. 'If everything needs to be solved by the Minister, we might as well dissolve all associations and hand everything to Putrajaya.' Implementing policies On Monday (June 23), Neow advised Yeoh to resign from her ministerial position for allegedly failing to play her role as the leader of the ministry, especially in helping to resolve alleged internal issues including political elements in the national football squad. He further said that as the Youth and Sports Minister, Yeoh's role is not just to appear when celebrating victories but also to help resolve the numerous challenges and crises faced by certain teams including providing the necessary support. Refuting this, Yap said the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) have been consistently implementing policies and providing support that create long-term impact. 'We work closely with sports associations, providing funding and assistance across all levels‒from grassroots development to elite performance,' she stated. 'Through strategic collaboration with agencies such as Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia (PSM), the National Sports Institute (NSI) and the National Sports Council of Malaysia (MSN), we deliver programmes, facilities and professional support services that empower athletes and elevate Malaysian sports.' Yap went on to outline a key reform introduced by Yeoh in the form of paid contracts for Podium athletes under MSN, now inclusive of contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) as of January 1, 2024. 'While it may seem like a basic provision, this marks the first time such a step has been taken under the Madani government,' Yap pointed out. Recent achievements Yap said while there will always be challenges in the sports sector, Neow seems to overlook recent achievements of the Malaysian contingent, among them the men's doubles title at the 2025 Badminton Asia Championships (BAC) and world champion title by Malaysian bowlers in international tenpin bowling. 'In all these sports, we were not there to carry the trophies but KBS and its agencies were there every step of the way to provide support,' Yap emphasised. She said to dismiss these achievements by claiming that there has been a lack of progress by the Malaysian contingent is not only inaccurate but also deeply unfair to the dedication and the hard work of the nation's athletes. 'By all means be a critic, but don't be lazy with your facts. If your intention is merely to craft a political stunt, maybe you should start with a more principled campaign,' she told Neow. 'My advice: if you don't understand sports governance structures, it's better to stay silent.' ‒ June 27, 2025 Main image: Youth and Sports Ministry
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
National Training Centre construction in Putrajaya 50 days ahead of schedule, says FAM
KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — The construction of the National Training Centre (NTC) in Precinct 5, Putrajaya is progressing according to the original schedule and is expected to be completed without any delay. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the project, which is divided into Phase One and Two, is still ahead of schedule by 50 days. He said the two pitches, namely natural grass (bermuda) and hybrid in Phase One, are expected to be completed this year while the artificial turf and several other important facilities will follow in Phase Two. 'Actually, this project is ahead of the original schedule by 50 days as a result of close cooperation from all parties. For Phase One, the two pitches may be completed between September and October. 'For Phase 2, the facilities as issued by the Public Works Department (JKR) will be announced in mid-July. For the artificial turf, the roof construction needs to start first,' he said when contacted by Bernama today. Earlier, FAM today shared the latest photos of NTC construction site in conjunction with the one-year anniversary of the project's groundbreaking ceremony on June 26, 2024. Phase One of NTC includes a football field with different types of grass, that is also fully equipped with floodlights as well as a quality drainage system, landscaping and a six-metre (m) high fence around the field area, which is expected to be completed in December 2026. The project will be followed by Phase Two involving the construction of the artificial turf, a 1,682.8 square metre building that includes a gymnasium, multipurpose room, players' changing rooms, rehabilitation room and surau, in addition to the construction of the roof for the artificial turf. Phase Two is expected to be fully completed in December 2027. Located near the Putrajaya Equestrian Park, NTC is built on a 5.2-hectare site with Phase One of the project using funds from the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) totalling US$5.2 million (approximately RM24 million) while Phase Two is using an allocation of RM45 million from the Malaysian Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. — Bernama
The Star
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Malaysia to play in CAFA Nations Cup in September
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will participate in the CAFA Nations Cup, a tournament featuring eight prominent national teams from Central Asia, including Iran and Uzbekistan, both of whom have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in September. This was confirmed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in a statement on Monday (June 23). The participation not only marks a significant honour for Harimau Malaya but also opens the door for greater ambitions on the international stage. The tournament experience would be the best preparation before they take on Laos in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers in October. Besides Iran (world No. 18) and Uzbekistan (No. 57), the other teams competing in the tournament are Oman (No. 77), Kyrgyzstan (No.103), Tajikistan (No. 104) and Afghanistan (No. 160). Malaysia under Australian coach Peter Cklamovski have impressed this year, especially in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers, where they have started their campaign unbeaten, beating Nepal 2-0 and Vietnam 4-0.
