FAM Says It Doesn't Mind Paying RM200,000 Monthly For A Coach Who Can Help Harimau Malaya
Former head coach Kim Pan-gon was paid around RM87,000 per month.
By Sadho Ram — 08 Oct 2024, 03:10 PM
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has expressed its willingness to offer a substantial salary of RM200,000 per month for a coach capable of taking the Harimau Malaya squad to greater heights
FAM deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi stated that the amount is "not a barrier" for the football governing body as the primary focus is on ensuring the chosen coach can meet their objectives.
"It's not about the salary; we want a coach who can take us to the next level.
"If we pay RM100,000 for a coach who can't take us anywhere, it's better to pay RM200,000 for one who can take us much further," Yusoff was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
He emphasised that investing in the national squad is essential to achieving good results.
"Sometimes, we need to spend for the sake of the national team. We have seen interest from several coaches in helping the squad, so we need to be prepared. Whether we like it or not, we have to invest to get positive outcomes," he said after an executive committee meeting of FAM at Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya.
Harimau Malaya players and team members pose for a group photograph at the end of the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group E football match.
Image via Malay Mail via AFPFormer Vietnam national team coach Park Hang-seo is among the candidates being considered by FAM, along with four others
However, FAM would need to be prepared to pay substantially more if they are serious about bringing the South Korean onboard, as he previously was paid RM218,000 per month during his five-and-a-half-year tenure with the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), according to the New Straits Times.
In comparison, FAM paid Kim Pan-gon RM87,000 per month during his time as the head coach of Harimau Malaya. Kim has since moved on to manage South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai.
Despite the speculation surrounding Park, Yusoff said that FAM has not made any formal approach to the former Vietnam coach
"We can't say that we want Hang Seo while [interim coach Pau Marti Vicente] is with the team. We will wait until the end of the year before deciding on the best option," Yusoff said.
Vicente will remain in charge until the end of the AFF Cup in December.
"He has an advantage because he's been with us for a while and understands the culture, which is a crucial factor when deciding who will coach the team next," Yusoff added.
