03-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Football critic says fix the troubled clubs, not the M-League
KUALA LUMPUR: Saving Malaysian football is not just about overhauling the much-maligned M-League's structure.
Former international Hasnizam Uzir said the powers-that-be need to knock the problematic clubs into shape first before anything else.
Responding to Deputy Sports Minister Adam Adli's call for a new framework to strengthen club finances and prevent issues like unpaid salaries, the former TV pundit said tougher regulations are needed to keep those in club management on their feet.
"We don't need to restructure the league. That's the only competition we have, and we're just going around in circles with the same teams.
"We need clubs to have the right modules and better internal management, especially regarding finances."
Hasnizam said many Malaysian clubs are still weak in organisation and lack people with proper business knowledge.
"If we look at the organisation of these clubs, the main problem is their weak branding and marketing. Most of them don't have people who understand the business side of football or know-how to move it forward," he said.
Hasnizam said that while many clubs are still tied to state governments, this relationship needs to be better structured, especially when it comes to support from government-linked companies.
"Most clubs are either state football associations or companies owned by the FA. If the chief minister or the FA has shares, the majority shareholder must help the club.
"Johor have the backing of Johor Corp and local councils. Selangor have PKNS. But some other teams don't even have that kind of backing," he said.
Instead of short-term planning, Hasnizam said clubs should adopt a five-year business plan backed by clear performance indicators, corporate leadership, and teamwork.
"In corporate organisations, direction comes from the top. If the top has vision and teamwork, the organisation can generate income. Clubs should set key performance indicators and execute five-year business plans instead of preparing yearly budgets without direction. If they have a CEO who works and is supported by the state, there won't be issues," he said.
His comments came just days after Johor Darul Ta'zim owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim issued a rebuke on X, appearing to criticise clubs that failed to manage their finances yet, blame external parties for their woes.
Several teams — including Perak, Kedah and Sri Pahang — are reported to be withdrawing from next season's Super League due to financial troubles.
