PETALING JAYA: Get your own house in order first before giving orders on how to fix things.
That’s the strong point that Malaysian football legend Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan has made on the ongoing debate over financial management in the local game, stressing that reforms must prioritise long-term plans.
Zainal was responding to calls by several chief executive officers of Malaysia Super League clubs to convene a roundtable discussion on reforms.
“Their own team are still struggling on the pitch, still insisting on using ‘cowgrass,’ and lack a complete academy system from Under-12 upwards,” said Zainal, who has 180 international caps and played for Selangor in three separate stints (1980-1982, 1985-1990 and 1997-1999).
“We should think about ways to advance our football from the grassroots to the international level and prioritise long-term development.”
Zainal said clubs were inconsistent in their long-term planning due to frequent managerial changes.
“If the thinking is truly long-term, why change coaches every season? Why is there a constant lack of trust in coaches, and why aren’t they given enough time?” he said.
He questioned the continued reliance on government funding.
“Where are the marketing officers tasked with securing team funds? What are they actually doing for the good of the club?”
Zainal also highlighted high salaries for underperforming foreign players and coaches, describing it as “far too much wastage.”
“The investment should be directed towards infrastructure and youth development. Why are facilities and academies not being prioritised? These are essential for developing high-quality local players for the future,” he added.
On fan-driven proposals such as salary caps, limiting foreign players, or reverting to a semi-professional model, Zainal warned such measures could weaken the clubs.
“All of these measures will only result in Malaysian teams being unable to compete with neighbouring countries or at the Asian level. It is as if we are moving backwards,” he said.
He pointed to leagues in countries such as Germany, Holland, Spain and Thailand as examples of sustainable models built on disciplined spending and strong development systems.
Zainal concluded by urging stakeholders to prioritise collective progress over personal interests.
“Should we allow jealousy to force us backwards, or should teams that fail to win trophies be allowed to change the league to suit them? We must compete intelligently to see progress, not retreat,” he said.
