KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) must avoid the denial syndrome to move forward, says football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim.
Many are aware that the national body is in denial over many footballing issues in the country.
For instance, FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin said the national youth team achieved the target set in the national body's F:30 Roadmap despite finishing as the lowest-ranked team in the ongoing Under-23 Asian Cup in Doha.
Juan Garrido's side lost all their Group D matches in the tournament, which doubled up as a Paris Olympic qualifier.
Last year, Malaysia, under then-coach Brad Maloney, did not reach the second stage of the Under-23 Asian Cup, failing to emulate the country's best-ever performance in 2018 when the team advanced to the quarter-finals.
Zulakbal said FAM needs to think big instead of trying to justify the "mediocre" results of its national teams by referring to the F:30 Roadmap targets.
"FAM cannot be satisfied and happy just because these teams are on track with the F:30 targets.
"This is definitely a denial syndrome in reference to the Under-23 Asian Cup performance.
"When a national team enter a tournament, they need to produce a good performance. Look at our neighbour Indonesia. Their national body had issues, but they quickly changed things around.
"Indonesia planned well, and they are now reaping the rewards."
"Our Under-23 team reached the quarter-finals in 2018 but failed to emulate the feat in the following editions. This shows a lack of mindset.
"We are quickly satisfied with one-off results. For example, everyone celebrated as if Malaysia won the World Cup when they drew with South Korea in the Asian Cup."
For the record, Malaysia finished bottom of their group in the Asian Cup, also in Doha.
Zulakbal added that youth competitions in the country, such as the President's Cup and MFL Cup, must improve to produce quality players.
He pointed out that research conducted by reputable organisations shows that youth players need 44 competitive matches in a season to develop their game.
"We cannot keep harping on F:30. We need to set a good foundation for our football.
"We must check whether our youth players are getting enough matches to develop their game and whether the competitions are of high quality.
"The best players should also be exposed to regular international matches."
Zulakbal, a former national youth player, also took M-League clubs to task, reminding them to plan out a comprehensive programme for their youth teams.
"Here, we have clubs shutting down their youth teams the moment their season ends early.
"How will it help youth development if they do not have a long-term plan?
"Youth players do not get paid well, and when their season ends early, most leave football as their future is not secured.
"The clubs must have a transition plan from youth to senior football. It is a must for any football club."
