British Expert: ‘Malaysian Football Stagnates Due to Lack of Long-Term Vision’

12/10/2025 18:49:00 ScoreStream

The problem in Malaysian football is not about tactics or player skill but arises from administrative interference and a lack of leadership and long-term vision.

This is the straightforward opinion of veteran English coach Steve Darby in an exclusive interview with Timesport on October 12.

The 70-year-old coach has deep knowledge of the Malaysian football scene, having been involved with the M-League for over thirty years. He led Johor to the FA Cup championship in 1998 and also coached the Perak and Kelantan clubs.

Darby also offers a clear comparative view between Malaysian football and neighboring countries, having served as assistant coach for Thailand’s national team (2008–2009) before leading Laos (2015–2016).

The issue with Malaysian football is not about tactics or talent but stems from national administrative interference and a lack of leadership and long-term vision. Photo: NST

“At the national team level, Malaysian football is always restrained by administrative interference. In Thailand, we were employed to work. If we failed, we were dismissed, but no one interfered in our work.”

Expert Darby has spent enough time in Malaysia to observe how management and personal egos continuously hinder football development in the country.

He recalls times when he had to struggle with state officials refusing to pay players or work with leaders who cared more about power than competence.

“The biggest question for the management is: who truly holds authority? If the president or general secretary of the football association is implicated, they should resign. And if they let others make decisions for them, they may not be competent enough for their position.”

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was recently sanctioned by FIFA, while seven naturalized players were suspended for 12 months due to alleged document forgery. Darby stresses that such problems are not new but cyclical.

“A quality management system is essential and must be paired with responsibility.

Managers should hire experts. If they fail, dismiss them but do not interfere. I don’t instruct mechanics or dentists on how to do their jobs either.”

Darby has worked in countries with fewer resources than Malaysia but saw progress thanks to good governance. He cites Laos as a prime example of discipline and transparency.

“The Lao Football Federation has done very well in raising funds despite the country’s poverty. Money from FIFA and AFC is properly used to develop players and facilities. For a small nation, they are performing excellently and will advance further.”

According to Darby, Malaysia has more resources and passion than most neighboring countries, but success depends on maintaining integrity and consistency rather than relying solely on emotion.

“Malaysia has the talent and economic power to be the strongest team in Southeast Asia. But they lack quality leadership and long-term planning.”

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