{
  "id": 6731596,
  "title": "FAM centenary marks turning point for long-term progress, says analyst",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/fam-centenary-marks-turning-point-for-long-term-progress-says-analyst",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-11T08:53:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1530591/fam-centenary-marks-turning-point-long-term-progress-says-analyst"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The centenary of Malaysia's Football Association (FAM) marks a pivotal moment for the future of Malaysian football, according to analyst Dr Zulakbal Ab Karim. Rather than merely commemorating a century of existence, this milestone presents an opportunity to outline a clear, long-term strategy for the game. During the upcoming presidential election on Thursday, Zulakbal believes the next FAM leader must present a comprehensive roadmap to guide the association's direction over the next hundred years.\n\nMalaysia's football journey has seen notable achievements such as qualifying for the 1972 Munich and 1980 Moscow Olympics, reaching the 1980 Asian Cup, and winning the AFF Cup in 2010. However, Zulakbal argues that these successes have not led to sustained progress. He pointed out that the M-League has not consistently produced players of interest to foreign clubs or leagues, resulting in the national team relying more on foreign and naturalized players.\n\nThe domestic league's declining support and difficulties in securing major sponsorships have also impacted Malaysia's football image, as demonstrated by seven heritage-player cases and FIFA's subsequent penalties. Zulakbal urges the incoming FAM president to provide more than a short-term plan, akin to Japan's Dream 2050, a long-term vision set by the Japan Football Association in 2005 aiming to win the World Cup by 2050.\n\nFor Zulakbal, the ultimate goal of the next 100 years is to break the cycle of failing to reach the World Cup, a challenge Malaysia has faced for the past century. FAM presidential candidate Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar concurs, stating that the centenary should initiate reform due to governance issues, performance concerns, and scandals tarnishing the association's image. Mokhtar believes that new leadership, characterized by transparency, accountability, and decisive action, could restore public confidence in Malaysian football and transform this centenary into a landmark of revival instead of decline.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia's (FAM) centenary is more than a celebration of 100 years of Malaysian football — it is a moment to ask where the national governing body wants to take the game next.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's FAM centenary marks turning point for long-term football progress, says analyst.",
    "Analyst Dr Zulakbal Ab Karim urges next FAM leader to present comprehensive 100-year roadmap."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}