Malaysia and the opportunity to break through from the new AFC Nations League tournament.
Experts consider the AFC's introduction of the Nations League a strategic turning point that will help the Malaysian national team raise their level through high-level matches instead of regular friendly games.
Malaysian football is facing a great opportunity to change its position on the continental football map. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s plan to launch the AFC Nations League is seen by experts as the "key" to helping the national team gain high-quality competitive experience, thereby building a solid foundation for long-term goals.
A turning point replacing low-quality friendly matches.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, the introduction of the AFC Nations League will end the era of purely friendly matches that often offer little professional value. Instead, a competitive tournament system that categorizes teams by skill level will force them to enter the competition with the utmost determination.
“The AFC Nations League is a very good and practical initiative. This tournament offers particular benefits to developing teams like Malaysia. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) needs to make the most of this opportunity to build a strong squad and expand its player roster for the future,” Zulakbal emphasized.
Strategy for rejuvenating and building squad depth.
One of the biggest benefits of the tournament is that it provides a testing ground for young players. Regularly competing against opponents of similar or higher caliber in the official league system helps players accumulate valuable experience and become accustomed to the intensity of international competition. This is considered crucial preparation for the World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Asian Cup campaign in Saudi Arabia.
AFC Secretary General, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, affirmed that the launch of the new tournament demonstrates the AFC's commitment to supporting the development of football in all 47 member countries. The AFC Nations League will be held based on the FIFA international calendar, ensuring full participation of top stars from national teams.
This model has already proven highly successful in Europe through the UEFA Nations League since its inception in 2018. By adopting a similar formula, the AFC expects to enhance both the professional competitiveness and commercial value of football in the continent, creating a vibrant new look for Asian football in the coming years.
