Youth and Sports Minister urges lessons from FIFA ranking drop, calls for grassroots strengthening and non-interference in FAM.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Youth and Sports Ministry has called for collective action following a sharp decline in the national football team’s FIFA world ranking.
Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari urged all parties to learn from the situation and strengthen local football to prevent a recurrence.
“Football development, especially at the grassroots level, must continue,” he said in a statement today.
The national squad, Harimau Malaya, plummeted 14 places to 135th in the latest rankings.
This drop is among the worst since 2006, when the team fell 19 places.
The severe sanction stems from FIFA’s punishment over a document falsification case involving seven ineligible heritage players.
FIFA annulled results of three friendly matches last December, awarding 3-0 wins to opposing teams.
The Asian Football Confederation later imposed similar forfeits on two Asian Cup qualifiers.
These decisions cost Malaysia ranking points and confirmed its failure to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Dr Mohammed Taufiq reiterated the ministry’s stance of not interfering in Football Association of Malaysia management.
He said the ministry will prioritise talent development through the National Football Development Programme with FAM.
The ministry will also hold regular engagement sessions with FAM for feedback on strategies.
He hopes all parties will give FAM space, with AFC assistance, to implement internal reforms and elect new leadership.
