2 days Ago By K. Rajan
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football risks a major setback following the decision by several M-League clubs not to register their development teams for next season's President's Cup (Under-20) and Youth Cup (Under-18).Only 11 teams will play in the President's Cup — Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) III, Selangor, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD), Penang II, Kuching City, Police, Sabah II, KL City and Melaka.The Youth Cup, meanwhile, will feature 14 sides — JDT IV, JDT V, AMD Under-16, AMD Under-17 Future, Penang III, Kuching City, Kuala Lumpur City, Negri Sembilan, Sabah III, Police, Melaka, the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, Terengganu and Selangor.
Missing from both competitions are development teams from Kelantan Darul Naim, Kelantan, Kedah Darul Aman, Sri Pahang and Perak.Sports observer Sadek Mustaffa warned that the privatisation of the M-League is proving to be little more than a "paper success", as clubs continue to struggle financially."I can't blame the clubs," said Sadek.
"In their eagerness to move from football associations (FAs) to football clubs (FCs), most have faltered in their business setup.""FAs relied on state funding. But after becoming private FCs, many don't know how to generate income or manage finances.
""They're still being run like FAs. Club licensing was supposed to fix this, but most clubs just meet the criteria on paper and still fail — often shutting down altogether."Sadek pointed out that having teams in both youth tournaments is a requirement for M-League club licensing.
"If these clubs can't even field youth teams, how can they qualify for the league?"He warned that ignoring youth development would have long-term consequences, with the national team potentially lacking fresh talent in the years to come.Sadek suggested re-empowering state FAs to take charge of youth teams in both tournaments, with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, Education Ministry, and Higher Education Ministry."The FA of Malaysia (FAM) must work with these bodies.
Players in these age groups are still in school, and they are not yet professionals.""Every state has a sports school or football project school, so the talent is there. The state FAs and schools must collaborate closely.
"He added that the cost of running youth teams is relatively low, especially with universities already offering facilities like training fields and stadiums."Universities also offer expertise through their sports science and business administration faculties. A partnership like this would be a win-win for everyone.
"© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
