Critics doubt RM15 million will boost fan attendance, other sports associations need funding

SHAH ALAM - The government's RM15 million allocation to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has triggered mixed reactions.

While some see it as a positive step for the sport, others remain skeptical about its impact on improving fan attendance.

Sports analysts have questioned whether the funding will address the deeper issue of reconnecting with disengaged fans.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's academician and sports analyst Afi Rozhesry believes the RM15 million allocation by the government to FAM is a positive step in terms of developing infrastructure, facilities and raising the standard of players.

“However, when it comes to addressing the issue of fans not attending matches, I do not think this funding will significantly impact attendance.

"The real solution lies in cultivating a stronger sports culture among fans.

“Given the current economic climate, RM15 million may not seem like much, but it is a decent start.

"However, the government must also ensure fairness by supporting other sports that need funding to elevate their standards and facilities, areas where we still lag behind our neighbouring countries,” he told Sinar Daily when contacted.

Afi also said his main concern is local football talent development.

“We need more high-quality local players. While other countries may invest more, the RM15 million is a good initial boost, and we should thank the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for that,” he added.

Meanwhile, veteran football observer Datuk Pekan Ramli stressed that FAM is the luckiest national sports association.

“FAM received tens of millions from the government since 2022, including RM10 million for its Putrajaya headquarters by former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, RM5 million after the Asian Cup earlier this year and recent RM15 million to strengthen Harimau Malaya by Anwar.

“However, given FAM's internal crises and past failures, many question whether this windfall is justified.

"While the RM15 million may seem small for football, other sports associations in need could achieve more with such funding,” he said.

Pekan also pointed out that integrity and accountability are crucial for effective use of these funds, and if targets are not met, leadership should take responsibility and voluntarily step down.

Concurring with Pekan’s views, sports analyst Graig Nunis pointed out that although football is the world’s most popular sport, it lags behind badminton, squash and diving in terms of success within Malaysia.

“Even sports such as weightlifting, sailing, shooting and archery have consistently qualified for the Olympics, while hockey has won Asian Games medals.

“Weightlifting, with 14 Commonwealth Games golds, struggles for sponsorship, with its President Datuk Ayub Rahmat, personally spending RM200,000 annually on the federation.

“It is important to note that the recent RM15 million allocation to football comes on top of the RM5 million that Anwar gave to FAM in January and the RM10 million provided by then prime minister Ismail Sabri in 2022, totaling RM30 million.

“Despite this, football's main achievement is winning the once-prestigious Pestabola Merdeka,” he added.

Graig said in contrast, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, despite winning eight gold medals across the last three Paralympic Games, continues to struggle with funding issues.

“Only RM12 million allocated for elite athletes last year and none for grassroots programmes.

"The government should consider better supporting other deserving sports,” he added.

On Sept 3, Anwar announced a RM15 million allocation for the development of Malaysia’s national football team, Harimau Malaya, with a focus on the players' welfare and the management team.

Of the total amount, RM10 million would come from the Finance Ministry, while RM5 million would be contributed by private companies.

Anwar emphasised that the funds were meant specifically for the team, not for the FAM, highlighting that the priority would be on supporting the manager, coaches, and players.

To ensure the effective use of funds, a senior official from the Finance Ministry would be appointed to oversee the financial management of the initiative.

Anwar also planned to meet with FAM’s management and Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for further discussions on this development.

This announcement comes just days before the conclusion of the Merdeka Tournament, where Malaysia claimed the title despite the ongoing boycott by Ultras Malaya.

Their dissatisfaction with the state of Malaysian football and FAM led them to withdraw support from the tournament.

Nevertheless, Malaysia secured a 1-0 victory against Lebanon on Sept 8, clinching the title.

Meanwhile, FAM President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin had attempted to address the situation by urging the Ultras to support the tournament and offering to meet with them to resolve the issues.

However, prior to the competition, ticket sales had been sluggish, with FAM reporting fewer than 1,000 tickets sold.

On Sept 9, after the tournament's conclusion, coach Pau Marti Vicente expressed satisfaction with the victory, praising the players' hard work and describing the win as a symbolic testament to their efforts.

He was pleased with the team’s performance and the positive working relationship with the staff and players.