KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) plans to elevate the standards of women’s football by increasing investment in both its senior and junior teams.
This move comes in response to criticisms from netizens who accused FAM of prioritising men’s teams, especially following the recent government allocations.
FAM was allocated RM15 million under Budget 2025, tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on October 18.
These funds will primarily support the development of the Harimau Malaya, under-18, and under-13 squads.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh clarified that the funds cannot be used arbitrarily or for salary payments.
Speaking to Scoop, FAM deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said that efforts are underway to enhance the women’s football team, including plans to increase the number of teams participating in the Women’s National League (WNL).
Currently, the WNL consists of eight teams: Kelana United FC, Red Eagles SC, Malaysian University, Sabah, Selangor FC, SSM Pahang, Real SJ FC, and Melaka. Sabah won last season’s WNL title, finishing the league with 16 points and a 13-goal advantage.
“There is no question of us neglecting the women’s team. We have several initiatives in progress to improve these teams. Our focus will extend beyond the senior women’s team to include the junior teams (under-21 and under-18).
“We have always aimed to empower women’s football, and there are also plans to increase the number of participating teams in the WNL to 10 or 12 in the upcoming seasons.
“With these efforts, we will certainly see structural improvements in women’s football. Further discussions will take place with the chairman of the women’s football committee, Datuk Suraya Yaacob, to devise a plan for increased investment in the women’s national teams,” Yusoff said.
According to FAM’s latest annual report, the governing body has invested approximately RM1.4 million towards developing the women’s national teams.
The Malayan Tigresses are currently ranked 96th in the FIFA world rankings. — October 28, 2024