Category: Football

NSFC Strengthens Strategic Dialogue With State Leadership Ahead of New Season

Negeri Sembilan FC have taken another important step in shaping the club’s future direction following a productive meeting between Chief Executive Officer Faliq Firdaus and YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun, Chairman of Negeri Sembilan FC and Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan.

The meeting, held at the Chairman’s office, provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss several key areas related to the club’s development, long-term sustainability and potential strategic cooperation that could benefit sport, youth development and the wider Negeri Sembilan community.

In a post shared by Faliq Firdaus, the NSFC CEO expressed his appreciation to YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun and YB Dato’ SUK Negeri Sembilan for taking the time to engage in the discussion. Among the main topics raised were the club’s framework for the new season, including transfer activity and the appointment of a new head coach.

The discussion also touched on NSFC’s future business model, with the club expected to gradually move towards becoming an entity involved in sports facility management, taking inspiration from models such as RedsLand Urawa Reds.

A major emphasis was also placed on ensuring that Negeri Sembilan FC remains sustainable over the next four to five years. According to the update, the Chairman highlighted the importance of accelerating the implementation of the planned framework so the club can move forward with greater structure, stability and purpose.

Another key point was the need to optimise the recruitment and development of young players. This direction is seen as an important part of aligning the club’s football planning with its investment strategy, while also strengthening the pathway for local talent to grow within the NSFC ecosystem.

In his own statement, YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Harun said the meeting opened space for discussion on youth development, sports and several potential strategic collaborations that could be explored for the benefit of the people and the progress of Negeri Sembilan.

He also stressed that strong synergy between the state government and relevant stakeholders is important in empowering the youth development agenda, while producing a generation that is active, competitive and better prepared for the future.

The meeting reflects NSFC’s ongoing effort to build a stronger foundation beyond matchdays, with focus placed not only on football performance but also on governance, sustainability, facility development and youth empowerment.

As the club prepares for the next phase, the message is clear: Negeri Sembilan FC are working to build a more sustainable, structured and forward-looking football organisation for the years ahead.

Tickets Now On Sale for #TheLastChapter Against Kelantan The Real Warriors FC

Negeri Sembilan FC supporters can now secure their seats for the highly anticipated final match of the season, as the Jang prepare to face Kelantan The Real Warriors FC in #TheLastChapter.

With the campaign reaching its closing chapter, fans are urged to come together and bring back the unmistakable energy of our sacred home ground. This is more than just a matchday — it is a call for every Jang and Milah to fill the stands, lift the players, and create an atmosphere worthy of the final home battle of the season.

Physical Ticket Sales Information

Supporters who wish to purchase physical tickets may do so at the following locations and times:

Wisma PBNS

  • 11 – 15 May
  • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

STAR, Paroi

  • 14 & 15 May
  • Grandstand Counter
  • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

16 May Matchday Sales

  • Warrix Matchday Store
  • 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Counter 13
  • 5:00 PM – 9:45 PM

Online Ticket Purchase

Supporters may also purchase tickets online via Ticket Hotline:

Online ticket link:
https://tickethotline.com.my/events/NSEVKEL?source=home

Based on the online ticketing platform, available categories include:

Open Adult Zones A, B and C
Ticket price: RM20.00
Online fee: RM3.23

Children & Teenagers Home Category
Ticket price: RM10.00
Online fee: RM3.15
For Negeri Sembilan FC supporters aged 7 to 17 years old.

Admission is free for OKU card holders.

Let’s Bring Back the Aura of Paroi

To all Jang and Milah, this is the moment to stand behind the team one more time this season. Fill the seats, raise your voices, and turn our home ground into a fortress once again.

Come early, wear your colours, and be part of #TheLastChapter.

Unbeaten Run Continues, But Rajan Demands More as Jangs Share Spoils with DPMM

Negeri Sembilan FC’s interim head coach K. Rajan struck a balanced tone following his side’s draw against DPMM FC, praising his players’ commitment while calling for sharper defensive discipline in the matches ahead.

Speaking at the post-match press conference after the Liga Super 2025–26 clash (LS22) at Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman on 12 April, Rajan described the result as “fair” despite believing his team had done enough to win. 

“We played well and followed the game plan. We created a lot of chances, but our opponent also defended well. I think today we were a bit unlucky,” he explained.

Attacking Positives, Defensive Concerns

Rajan was quick to highlight the attacking intent shown by his side, noting that the team controlled possession and consistently threatened in the final third. However, he did not shy away from addressing a recurring issue.

“Our defending side needs to improve because we concede goals too easily,” he admitted, pointing to lapses in defensive structure and communication as key areas requiring attention. 

Despite ongoing concerns about clean sheets, Rajan downplayed the narrative, arguing that the team’s attacking output must also be recognised.

“In football, it’s normal. People talk about conceding goals, but we are also scoring a lot. Still, we need to improve defensively—our shape, our communication, everything.”

Character and Fighting Spirit on Display

One of the standout positives for the interim coach was the character shown by his squad throughout the match. Rajan praised not only the players on the pitch but also the unity within the entire team environment.

“The boys showed good character. Everyone was encouraging each other—the players, the staff. We created many chances, and even the opponent had to clear several efforts off the line.”

Unbeaten Run a “Good Sign” — But Not Enough

The draw extends Negeri Sembilan FC’s unbeaten run under Rajan to four matches, a statistic he acknowledged as encouraging.

“Yes, it’s a good sign. We have scored around 10 to 12 goals and conceded only four or five. The team is getting better,” he said. 

However, the interim coach made it clear that progress alone is not the end goal.

“I am happy, but I want to win. I want three points. Still, for four games, this is a good sign for me and for my team.”

Looking Ahead

While the unbeaten streak reflects growing stability, Rajan’s message is clear: improvement—especially at the back—is non-negotiable. With attacking momentum already in place, tightening defensive organisation could be the key to turning draws into victories for Negeri Sembilan FC in the coming fixtures.

LPNS 2025/26 Fixtures Unveiled – Community Football Set to Ignite at PBNS Bubble Arena

The wait is over. The Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Sembilan has officially released the full match schedule for the Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan (LPNS) A3 Community 2025–2026, setting the stage for an exciting grassroots football campaign.

All matches will be played at the PBNS Bubble S02 Arena in Rahang, creating a central hub for community football where passion, competition, and local talent will take centre stage.

Opening Week Kicks Off with High-Intensity Action

The league begins on 5 April 2026 (Sunday) with a packed opening slate:

  • TAFT vs Negeri Sembilan Indian Association – 5:00 PM
  • THKR FC II vs Negeri Sembilan Forces Warriors FC – 8:00 PM
  • Seremban United FC vs Flizzie FC – 10:00 PM 

The action continues across the opening week with additional fixtures on 6 and 7 April, ensuring a strong and continuous start to the competition.

Structured League Format Across 13 Matchweeks

The LPNS A3 Community League will run across 13 matchweeks (LP1 to LP13), spanning from 5 April to 30 June 2026, featuring a wide range of local clubs divided into competitive groups. 

Clubs such as:

  • Seremban City FC
  • Negeri Sembilan United FC
  • Jempol Dreams
  • Tampoi FC
  • Flamingo FC
  • KS Yayasan Negeri Sembilan

…are all set to battle it out in a tightly packed schedule designed to maintain momentum and competitive balance throughout the season.

Matches are typically scheduled across Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, with kickoff times at 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 10:00 PM, offering consistent viewing windows for fans and communities. 

Centralised Venue, Maximum Atmosphere

By hosting all fixtures at the PBNS Bubble S02 Arena, PBNS is clearly prioritising:

  • Matchday consistency
  • Operational efficiency
  • A concentrated football atmosphere

This centralised approach is a smart move—grassroots leagues often fail due to logistical fragmentation, but this setup ensures better organisation and stronger fan engagement.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

Beyond results, LPNS A3 Community serves a bigger purpose:
developing local football ecosystems and uncovering hidden talents across Negeri Sembilan.

With a structured calendar, consistent match exposure, and competitive variety, this league could quietly become one of the most important pipelines feeding into higher-level football—including clubs like Negeri Sembilan FC.

Ready for Kick-Off

With the fixtures now confirmed, all eyes turn to the opening whistle.

The message is clear:
Community football is back—and it’s organised, competitive, and ready to deliver.

Fans, players, and local supporters—get ready. The journey begins now.

JADUAL LIGA PREMIER NEGERI SEMBILAN 20252026 NEWDownload

Sasaki Rumours Swirl – But Signs Point to Continuity at Negeri Sembilan FC

Speculation surrounding Negeri Sembilan FC midfield engine Takumi Sasaki has intensified in recent days, with social media abuzz over a potential move away from Paroi ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Multiple circulating posts have suggested that the Japanese playmaker is being monitored by Kuching City FC, with claims that he is already part of their planning for the upcoming campaign. The rumours, amplified by themed “transfer speculation” visuals, have sparked debate among supporters about a possible reshuffle within the Negeri Sembilan squad.

However, contrasting narratives have also emerged — and they paint a very different picture.

A widely shared update from fan channels indicates that Sasaki has made a firm personal decision regarding his future, with strong suggestions that he is set to remain with Negeri Sembilan FC next season. The message highlights that the decision was made not only for his career, but also with consideration for his family — a factor that often plays a decisive role for foreign players adapting abroad.

At the same time, internal squad context further complicates the speculation. Negeri Sembilan are not short of midfield depth, with players such as Yuichi Hirano, alongside emerging and returning options including Haiqal Haqeemi, Afiq Fitri, and Wan Kuzri (expected back from loan), providing the club with multiple tactical alternatives should any departure occur.

From a strategic standpoint, this raises a key question:
Is the rumour driven by genuine transfer interest — or simply noise amplified by squad planning discussions and external speculation?

What remains clear is Sasaki’s importance to the team. His creativity, link-up play, and ability to dictate tempo have made him one of the central figures in Negeri Sembilan’s attacking structure this season. Losing him would not be a straightforward replacement job — regardless of depth on paper.

For now, there has been no official confirmation from the club regarding any transfer, and all indications suggest that Sasaki remains part of Negeri Sembilan’s immediate plans.

In modern football, rumours travel faster than facts. But unless something concrete emerges, the balance of evidence leans toward continuity rather than departure — a scenario that will undoubtedly reassure the Sekalian Yang Setia faithful.

Pertiwi Calls: Six Negeri Sembilan FC Stars Earn International Duty

Negeri Sembilan FC proudly celebrates a significant milestone as six of its players have been called up to represent their respective national teams, underlining the club’s growing reputation as a platform for elite talent on the regional and international stage.

The national team selections reflect both individual excellence and the collective progress of the squad this season. Each player now carries the responsibility of competing at the highest level, showcasing the spirit, discipline and quality developed within the Negeri Sembilan setup.

Leading the Malaysian contingent are dynamic forward Luqman Hakim and dependable goalkeeper Azri Ghani, both entrusted with the honour of defending the Harimau Malaya colours. Their inclusion highlights the strong contribution of Negeri Sembilan players to the national programme.

Midfield presence Amirul Adli has earned recognition from Singapore, while experienced defender Oday Kharoub will once again represent Palestine on the international stage. Attacking talent Luis Enrique receives the call from Equatorial Guinea, further strengthening the club’s global footprint. Completing the list is versatile midfielder Wai Lin Aung, who has been selected to feature for Myanmar.

Negeri Sembilan FC extends its full support and best wishes to all six players as they embark on their respective international assignments.

Fight with pride. Play with heart. Give everything for the badge on your chest.

The entire Hobin Jang Hobin family stands behind you.

MFL Defends Registration Process as Eligibility Scandal Continues

The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has issued a formal clarification regarding the registration status of several players linked to the recent eligibility controversy involving the national team, stating that all relevant procedures under the Liga Malaysia regulations were properly followed.

In a media statement, MFL confirmed that the registrations of João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), as well as Gabriel Palmero of Kuching City FC, as local players for the 2025–2026 Liga Malaysia season were conducted in full compliance with competition rules.

Registrations Conducted According to League Procedures

According to MFL, the player registrations were processed based on provisions outlined in the Liga Malaysia Manual (2025–2026 Edition), particularly under the sections governing player registration systems and documentation requirements through the FAM MYPAS platform (FIFA Connect).

The league body explained that clubs are required to submit either a valid national identity card or a passport copy as part of the registration process. In the case of the four players, MFL stated that legitimate identity cards issued by the National Registration Department (JPN) were provided and verified prior to approval.

The league also noted that detailed circulars had been issued to all participating clubs as early as June 2025, specifying the documents that must be uploaded in digital format for eligibility clearance.

Based on these procedures, MFL concluded that no breach of league regulations had occurred in the registration of the players concerned for the current season.

However, the governing body acknowledged that the players are still required to serve a 12-month suspension from official matches, as determined by FIFA and later amended by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Growing Concerns Among Fans and Stakeholders

Despite the league’s clarification, the case continues to generate strong reactions among supporters and observers across Malaysian football.

A significant segment of fans has raised questions about the broader integrity of the naturalisation and eligibility process, particularly regarding claims that some players were granted citizenship based on heritage connections that were later disputed.

Among the concerns voiced are calls for greater transparency on how fast-track citizenship applications for football purposes were handled, as well as suggestions that authorities should review whether citizenship status obtained under potentially misleading circumstances ought to be reassessed.

Some supporters argue that the situation has exposed what they perceive as systemic vulnerabilities in governance and due diligence, warning that similar cases could undermine public confidence in both sporting institutions and administrative processes.

At the same time, others caution against rushing to conclusions, noting that citizenship decisions fall under national legal jurisdiction and must be determined through proper investigation and due process rather than public pressure.

A Complex Issue Beyond League Regulations

The MFL statement highlights an important distinction in the ongoing controversy: while the league is responsible for ensuring compliance with competition rules, matters related to nationality, eligibility at international level and potential administrative misconduct involve different authorities and regulatory frameworks.

As investigations continue, stakeholders across Malaysian football are increasingly calling for clearer coordination between government agencies, national associations and league organisers to ensure that future naturalisation initiatives meet both legal standards and international sporting regulations.

For now, MFL maintains that its role has been fulfilled according to established procedures. Nevertheless, the wider debate surrounding governance, accountability and the credibility of eligibility processes suggests that the issue is likely to remain a major talking point within Malaysian football in the months ahead.

Should Citizenship Be Reviewed? FAM Statement Fuels National Debate After CAS Ruling

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has acknowledged the decision delivered by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the high-profile eligibility case involving seven naturalised players, while expressing reservations about the severity of the sanctions imposed.

In a media statement issued on 6 March 2026, FAM confirmed that it had received the operative part of the CAS award concerning appeals filed by both the association and the seven affected players.

Under the ruling, FAM’s appeal was dismissed, while the players’ appeals were partially upheld, leading to an adjustment in the sanctions originally imposed by FIFA. The players will remain barred from participating in official matches for another eight months, although they are permitted to continue training and engaging in football-related activities with their respective clubs.

FAM also noted that the full reasoning behind the CAS decision has not yet been released, and further comments will be made once the complete written award becomes available.

FAM Accepts Administrative Oversight

In its statement, FAM acknowledged oversight failures in the administrative process related to the players’ naturalisation and eligibility documentation. The association confirmed that investigations by Malaysian federal agencies and FIFA are still ongoing, and reiterated its commitment to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.

The association described the outcome as deeply disappointing, particularly for the players involved. According to FAM, the players were not involved in the administrative preparation of the documents used in the eligibility process and had no knowledge of the matters handled by administrators.

FAM also emphasised that the players had obtained Malaysian citizenship in accordance with Malaysian law, and thanked supporters for their continued backing during what it described as a difficult period for Malaysian football.

A Wider Issue: Sovereignty and Sporting Regulations

Beyond the immediate sporting consequences, the case raises an important question that sits at the intersection of sports governance and national sovereignty.

While FIFA and CAS regulate eligibility rules for international football, citizenship itself is a sovereign matter governed by Malaysian law and the Federal Constitution. In other words, international sporting bodies determine whether a player can represent a national team, but they do not have the authority to grant or revoke nationality.

This creates a complex situation. The players may remain Malaysian citizens under domestic law, yet still be deemed ineligible to represent the national team under FIFA regulations.

From a diplomatic standpoint, FAM’s response can be seen as cautious and measured, acknowledging the CAS ruling while leaving room to review the detailed reasoning of the decision before determining further steps.

Should the Citizenship Be Revoked?

One of the more sensitive questions emerging from the case is whether the Malaysian government should revoke the citizenship granted to the players, particularly if the naturalisation process involved falsified eligibility claims.

From a legal and policy perspective, the answer is not straightforward.

Under Malaysian law, citizenship granted through naturalisation can potentially be revoked if it is proven that the status was obtained through fraud, false representation, or concealment of material facts. If future investigations confirm that the naturalisation process relied on falsified documentation, the government technically has the legal authority to review or withdraw that citizenship.

However, several factors complicate the matter:

  • The CAS ruling itself suggests that the players had limited involvement in preparing the documents, implying that the issue may lie more with administrative processes rather than deliberate deception by the players.
  • Revoking citizenship is an extremely serious action that goes beyond sporting sanctions and would carry diplomatic, legal and reputational consequences.
  • The players have already been sanctioned under football regulations, which may lead policymakers to view the sporting penalties as sufficient.

For these reasons, many observers argue that revoking citizenship would likely be disproportionate unless clear evidence emerges that the players themselves knowingly participated in falsification.

What the Malaysian Government Should Do Next

Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures, the more pressing priority for Malaysia may be institutional reform.

Several steps would help prevent similar controversies in the future:

1. Establish a clear national framework for sports naturalisation
Malaysia needs a transparent policy outlining how athletes may obtain fast-track citizenship and how eligibility requirements align with international federation rules.

2. Strengthen coordination between ministries and sporting bodies
Naturalisation for sporting purposes often involves multiple institutions, including the Home Ministry, immigration authorities and national associations. Clear protocols would reduce the risk of administrative gaps.

3. Implement stronger due-diligence checks before eligibility submissions
Ensuring that documentation submitted to FIFA meets eligibility standards would protect both athletes and national federations from reputational damage.

A Turning Point for Malaysian Football Governance

While the CAS decision offers partial relief by allowing the players to continue training during their suspension, the controversy has exposed systemic weaknesses in how sporting naturalisation was handled.

The case is therefore likely to serve as a turning point for governance in Malaysian football, forcing stakeholders to reconsider how competitive ambition, regulatory compliance and national sovereignty should be balanced moving forward.

For now, the focus remains on awaiting the full CAS written award, which will provide the detailed reasoning behind the ruling and may further shape how Malaysia responds to one of the most significant eligibility disputes in its football history.

CAS Rules on Malaysia Eligibility Controversy: Seven Players Banned from Matches

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially amended the sanctions imposed on seven footballers who were previously ruled ineligible to represent Malaysia, confirming a 12-month suspension from official matches but allowing the players to continue training and participating in other football-related activities.

In a media release issued on 5 March 2026 from Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS announced that it had partly upheld the appeals filed by the players against the decision by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The case concerned allegations of falsified documents used during the naturalisation and eligibility process for the Malaysian national team.

Background of the Case

The case dates back to 2025 when the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) approached seven foreign players to potentially represent Malaysia at international level. The players involved were:

  • Facundo Tomás Garcés Rattaro
  • Rodrigo Julián Holgado
  • Imanol Javier Machuca
  • João Vitor Brandão Figueiredo
  • Gabriel Felipe Arrocha
  • Jon Irazabal Iraurgi
  • Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano

Following the process, the players underwent naturalisation procedures and were issued Malaysian passports.

However, on 25 September 2025, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that FAM and the players had violated the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) after determining that falsified documents had been used in the naturalisation and eligibility process. FIFA concluded that the players had no legitimate connection to Malaysia that would justify their eligibility.

As a result, FIFA imposed a 12-month suspension from all football-related activities on the players, along with a fine of CHF 2,000 for each player. FAM was also fined CHF 350,000. The decision was later upheld by the FIFA Appeal Committee on 3 November 2025.

Appeals Taken to CAS

FAM and the players subsequently filed consolidated appeals with CAS on 5 December 2025.

In its appeal, FAM acknowledged the presence of what it described as “institutional shortcomings” and accepted that it may bear responsibility for breaching the FIFA Disciplinary Code. However, the association argued that the players had only provided documents requested by FAM and did not prepare or alter the documents themselves.

FAM requested that the FIFA decision be set aside and proposed that any sanction should not exceed a fine of CHF 50,000.

Meanwhile, the players appealed for the complete annulment of the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision, arguing that they had not acted with intent or negligence. Alternatively, they requested that any sanctions imposed should be proportionate to their role in the case.

The appeals were heard by a CAS panel consisting of Lars Hilliger (Denmark) as President, alongside José Luis Andrade (Portugal) and Massimo Coccia (Italy). The hearing took place in person on 26 February 2026 at the CAS headquarters in Lausanne.

CAS Decision

After reviewing the evidence, the CAS Panel concluded that the use of falsified eligibility documents had indeed occurred. The panel ruled that a 12-month ban was a reasonable and proportionate sanction, given the players’ involvement in the process.

However, CAS determined that the suspension should apply only to official matches, rather than to all football-related activities.

This adjustment means the players are allowed to continue training and working with their respective clubs during the suspension period, but they remain barred from participating in official matches.

The ban officially begins on 5 March 2026, with credit given for the period already served between 25 September 2025 and 26 January 2026, when the original suspension had effectively been in force.

CAS also ruled that FAM’s fine of CHF 350,000 remains justified and proportionate, dismissing the association’s appeal on the matter.

Next Steps

CAS clarified that the announcement represents an operative decision without detailed grounds, meaning the full written award explaining the panel’s reasoning will be issued at a later date. For legal purposes, only the wording of the final written decision will be binding.

The ruling brings partial relief for the affected players, who can now continue training and maintaining their professional careers while serving their match suspensions. At the same time, the decision reinforces the strict regulatory framework governing player eligibility and international representation in football.

Understanding the AFC/FAM Coaching Diploma Pathway

The development of qualified football coaches is a crucial pillar in strengthening the overall football ecosystem. In Malaysia, the structured coaching pathway designed by the Football Association of Malaysia in collaboration with the Asian Football Confederation provides a progressive framework for coaches to advance their knowledge, technical competency, and leadership within the game.

This structured pathway ensures that coaches are equipped with the necessary education, experience, and certification required to train players across different age groups and levels, from grassroots football to professional teams.

A Structured Coaching Pathway

The coaching pathway implemented by FAM follows a step-by-step progression designed to guide aspiring coaches through increasingly advanced levels of training and responsibility.

The system begins with grassroots coaching certification and gradually progresses through multiple licensing levels including D Licence, C Licence, B Licence, A Licence, and eventually the Pro Diploma, which represents the highest level of coaching certification within the AFC framework.

Each stage of certification equips coaches with more sophisticated knowledge in areas such as tactical training, match preparation, player development, and team management.

Grassroots Coaching Course: The Foundation

The entry point into the coaching pathway is the FAM Grassroots Coaching Certificate, designed to introduce football coaching fundamentals to community coaches and youth instructors.

The primary focus of this course is to develop coaches capable of teaching young players aged 6 to 11 years old, particularly in non-elite environments.

Key technical areas emphasized include:

  • First Touch
  • Striking the Ball
  • Running with the Ball
  • 1v1 Situations

The course typically runs for two full days, combining approximately 70% practical field training and 30% classroom theory.

Graduates of the grassroots certification play a vital role in introducing football fundamentals to children, primarily through small-sided games such as 1v1, 3v3, and 5v5 formats.

AFC/FAM D Licence: Entry into Advanced Coaching

The AFC/FAM D Licence represents the first step toward more advanced coaching qualifications. This course prepares coaches to transition from basic instruction into structured training environments that simulate real match scenarios.

The course focuses on preparing coaches to manage training sessions for players aged 12 and above, particularly those competing in 11-a-side football formats.

Key training topics include:

  • Playing out from the back
  • Midfield combination play involving key central roles (No.6 and No.8)

Participants are required to demonstrate active involvement in coaching teams at schools, academies, or clubs, particularly those competing at youth or amateur levels.

AFC/FAM C Licence: Tactical and Game Training Development

The C Licence represents a significant milestone in the coaching journey, focusing on game training and performance phases for teams competing in 11-a-side football.

Coaches participating in this course must already hold a D Licence certification and be actively coaching players from under-13 level up to senior teams.

During the course, participants are required to complete practical assignments including:

  • Maintaining a training logbook
  • Preparing detailed session plans
  • Producing video analysis or half-time team briefings

Key tactical topics covered include:

  • Structured build-up play from the back
  • Defensive pressing from the front third
  • Central midfield attacking combinations
  • Attacking wing play and wide combinations

These assignments ensure that coaches gain hands-on experience implementing structured tactical training in real team environments.

AFC/FAM B Licence: Advanced Tactical Coaching

The B Licence further elevates a coach’s responsibilities by focusing on full-team tactical development and match preparation.

At this stage, coaches work closely with elite youth, amateur, and professional-level players, with an emphasis on performance training and team organization.

Key areas covered in the B Licence curriculum include:

  • Football vision and coaching philosophy
  • A structured six-point evaluation checklist for training sessions
  • Attacking and defending principles
  • Transition play models
  • Formation theory and tactical systems

Participants must also prepare detailed documentation, including training logs, session plans, and match analysis reports before, during, and after the course period.

AFC/FAM A Licence: Coaching at the Highest Level

The A Licence prepares coaches for leadership roles at the highest levels of football.

At this stage, coaches are expected to develop their own football philosophy and tactical identity, shaping how their teams play and perform on the field.

Key areas of focus include:

  • Player selection strategies
  • Tactical planning and game models
  • Advanced match analysis
  • Training design based on coaching philosophy
  • Media management and communication skills

This level of certification equips coaches with the competencies required to manage professional teams and elite players, including advanced tactical instruction and high-level match analysis.

The Coaching Model: Beyond Technical Skills

The FAM coaching framework also highlights a broader coaching model built around five key components:

  • Vision and Philosophy
  • Training
  • Match Management
  • Player Management
  • Football Knowledge

Together, these elements ensure that coaches develop not only technical expertise but also leadership, communication, and strategic thinking abilities essential for modern football coaching.

Building the Future of Malaysian Football

Through the AFC/FAM coaching pathway, Malaysia continues to strengthen the foundation of its football development system. By ensuring that coaches receive structured education and professional certification, the pathway helps produce knowledgeable and competent coaches capable of nurturing talent from grassroots to the professional level.

As more coaches progress through this pathway, the long-term impact will be reflected in the quality of training, tactical understanding, and player development across Malaysian football.

Ultimately, investing in coach education is a critical step toward building a sustainable and competitive football ecosystem for the future.