Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh confirms FAM’s recommendation to appoint former Harimau Malaya coach Ong Kim Swee to lead AMD
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has confirmed the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) recommendation to appoint former Harimau Malaya coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee as technical director of the Mokhtar Dahari Academy (AMD).
Yeoh said the plan represents a positive development for involving local expertise in national football development at the grassroots level.
“The recommendation to hire Kim Swee as technical director of AMD came from FAM and the National Sports Council (MSN) is also aware of the decision,” she stated at a press conference today.
Media reports indicated Kim Swee could begin the role as early as 1 January, citing his successful track record including guiding Harimau Muda to SEA Games gold in 2011.
The coach is currently unattached after leaving Indonesian club Persik Kediri.
Regarding the National Football Development Programme (NFDP), Yeoh said MSN temporarily postponed it to facilitate a handover to FAM.
This follows the recent crisis involving documentation for seven national heritage players.
FIFA recently rejected an appeal by FAM and the seven players, upholding punishments for offences relating to forged documents.
FAM was fined approximately RM1.8 million, while each player received a fine of around RM11,000 and a 12-month suspension from all football activities. – Bernama
