KUALA LUMPUR: The lines between FAs (football association) and FCs (football club) in Malaysia are often blurred.
And blurry officials at times also end up doing the wrong things in their duties.
When FAM privatised the M-League in 2019, its affiliates, which are the FAs, and the FCs (who play in the M-League) were entrusted with separate roles.
Recently, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who is also the Kedah FA president, said they will not help Kedah FC pay the salaries owing to their players.
So, the Kedah government has decided to play hardball with its 'FC.' And this could lead to other state governments taking the same approach.
Of course, there will be criers from some clubs claiming this could affect football development if state government don't give them money.
FAM vice-president Firdaus Mohamed said: "When we privatised the M-League, it defined the roles of the FAs and the FCs. Both have different roles to play," said Firdaus after the launch of the official Puma match ball for the President's Cup, Youth Cup, National Women's League and Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup in Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, yesterday.
"Some of the FAs have lost track of what they need to do and they think the clubs are in charge of everything. There are also some FA officials who manage the football clubs. The roles should be separated.
"The football clubs' role is to field President's Cup and Youth teams and the state FAs should focus on developing players and organising competitions at the state level.
"The FAs should be providing players to the football clubs to use in competitions. If everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, we would have no problem with producing new talents."
