Minister Calls for Comprehensive Reform of Malaysia's Football Salary Crisis

Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country's football ecosystem, emphasizing the urgent need to resolve the persistent issue of unpaid player salaries. Yeoh criticized reactive, piecemeal measures and urged authorities to adopt holistic solutions to rebuild a more sustainable and healthy football environment. She has enlisted the Asian Football Confederation to provide an independent assessment, with the results to be discussed with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), which has not yet commented. The crisis has led to growing grievances among players, including both local and foreign athletes, such as Kelantan United's interim coach Rezal Zambery Yahya and Kedah's Serbian striker Milos Gordic, who have publicly decried months-long salary arrears. Yeoh stressed the need for reforms not only at the national level but also within individual clubs to ensure long-term improvement. The situation has highlighted financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency in Malaysian football, prompting calls for more responsible club management.