Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh is calling for a major overhaul of Malaysia’s football system, as the sport continues to face serious problems—especially unpaid player salaries.
Yeoh stressed that the situation can no longer be fixed with small or short-term solutions. She believes the entire football ecosystem needs reform to become healthier and more sustainable.
“Our football issues need more than quick fixes. We must look at the big picture and work together to rebuild the system,” Yeoh told local media on Wednesday.
To begin addressing the problem, Yeoh revealed that she had requested help from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to assess the current situation. The AFC has completed its report, which Yeoh said will soon be reviewed with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
“We can’t just focus on one case. We have to look at the whole system,” she explained. “We want to improve not just at the national level, but within clubs as well.”
The FAM has not responded to media requests for comment.
Yeoh’s remarks follow a wave of complaints from players and coaches over unpaid wages. Rezal Zambery Yahya, interim coach for Kelantan United, has publicly urged the club’s management to pay long-overdue salaries—some delayed by up to six months.
“Despite our off-field problems, we remained professional and gave our best,” Rezal said. “Now it’s time for the management to step up and be transparent.”
Kelantan United ended the season at the bottom of the Super League standings with just seven points.
The salary crisis has also affected foreign players. Serbian striker Milos Gordic of Kedah Darul Aman FC is leaving Malaysia after going nine months without being paid.
“I feel like crying,” Gordic told reporters. “I’m going back to Serbia with nothing. I’ve sacrificed so much for my family, but I have no money to show for it.”
His emotional statement highlights the growing concern over the treatment of players in the Malaysian football system.
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