KUALA LUMPUR: The National Football Development Programme (NFDP) should remain under the purview of the National Sports Council (NSC) as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are not yet ready to assume full responsibility for the initiative, says Khairy Jamaluddin (pic).

The former youth and sports minister, who was instrumental in launching the NFDP during his tenure, explained that while the programme existed before his tenure, it lacked structure until the establishment of key development pillars such as Akademi Mokhtar Dahari (AMD) in Pahang, Akademi Tunas and district-level training centres.

"When I first started the NFDP, the programme already existed before me, but there was nothing in place for its actual development. At that time, we built the AMD in Pahang, along with Akademi Tunas and PLDs. We already had a structure, and we were entering the second phase," he said after the launch of the Eco Lifestyle Med Health Centre at Wisma Hong Leong here on Thursday (Sept 25).

Khairy said that the NFDP’s first phase was meant to run for 10 years, after which the programme was intended to be handed over to state football associations.

However, the transition stalled after he departed from the ministry.

"If there had been continuous investment and proper funding, perhaps by now it could have been fully handed over to the states," he said, adding that the long-term vision was for state associations to manage their own academies and development centres, while collaborating with FAM to organise competitions.

Still, he cautioned that FAM must first demonstrate financial capability before taking over the programme.

"If FAM want to take over, then FAM have to find the money. If they want to rely on government funds, it would be better for NFDP to remain under NSC in partnership with FAM," Khairy stressed.

He also questioned whether state associations were prepared for such responsibilities, pointing out that while Johor and Selangor had robust development systems, many other states struggled even to form competitive teams.

"FAM have to think very carefully before asking to take over NFDP. If they only want it because of the budget allocation, but cannot execute the programme, then good luck, it won’t work."

On the matter of appointing a technical director, Khairy said the role should be decided jointly between FAM and NSC to ensure alignment with the national team’s football philosophy.

"It’s about finding the right candidate who understands the DNA and the direction of the national team (Harimau Malaya)," he said.

Addressing speculation about his own political or sporting ambitions, Khairy made it clear he has no interest in pursuing the FAM presidency.

"I’m not interested in the presidency of FAM. I’m simply someone involved in sports, someone with experience. I advise Johor, I share my views, and I observe. Johor are the gold standard in terms of funding, structure, and facilities."

For now, Khairy believes the NFDP should remain under NSC until FAM resolve their leadership and financial challenges.

"Right now, there isn’t even a proper president at FAM, only an acting one. They need to sort out their leadership issues first, seek advice from TMJ, and then decide what’s next."