Will Malaysia qualify for the 2022 World Cup?

The Football Association of Malaysia is still mulling over which year its national team should qualify for the World Cup. FAM deputy president Datuk Redzuan Tan Sri Sheikh Ahmad said 2022 might be set as a realistic target. "We must have a target and we are still gathering feedbacks before making any plans that can be effectively implemented," he told a press conference after opening Malaysia International Football Symposium 2006, in Kuala Lumpur. The symposium created an opportunity for FAM to get necessary feedbacks from coaches, managers, academicians and media practitioners.

FAM secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saad said the football governing body was striving to enhance the quality of football at the grassroot level. "If we were to set 2022 as a target, the Under-14 team are the target group crucial for the FAM," he told Bernama newsagency. Besides the U-14 squad, FAM would also focus on new talent below 17 years of age who will carry the country's challenge in the future, he said.