Malaysia’s football scene has taken a major hit after FIFA imposed transfer bans on nine clubs due to unpaid salaries and financial mismanagement. But amid the chaos, a bold grassroots proposal is offering hope for the future of the sport.
The banned clubs include Super League sides Terengganu FC and Kelantan Darul Naim FC. Others listed in FIFA’s global registration ban database are Sarawak United, Kelantan FC, Kelantan FA, PT Athletic FC, Perlis, Melaka United FC, and Melaka United.
These sanctions have highlighted serious financial issues in Malaysian football. In response, sports pundit Roshan Narayan has proposed a new approach: involving major property developers in building football-centered community spaces.
Rather than focusing only on shopping malls or high-rise apartments—many of which remain empty—Roshan suggests developers like Sime Darby Property and Sunway Group consider building mixed-use hubs around football.
His vision includes modern stadiums integrated with malls and affordable housing. Fans could dine, shop, and attend matches all in one place.
“They can enjoy dinner, use the facilities, and then head to the stadium for the game,” Roshan told Sarawak Tribune on May 7. “It’s a mini ecosystem where everything supports each other.”
Roshan believes this model could solve long-term issues by making football part of everyday community life. He added that such venues could host school events, concerts, and public activities year-round—keeping them active and profitable beyond just matchdays.
“These hubs don’t just serve fans—they attract families, students, and the broader community. That creates consistent revenue for clubs,” he explained.
To make the plan work, Roshan suggested giving developers a financial stake in local clubs. This would give them a reason to invest and stay involved.
“This isn’t only about mismanagement. Football clubs are like companies—you need a CEO, a finance team, and paid staff,” he said. “If your staff aren’t paid, the whole system breaks down. People focus on athletes, but often they’re the last to get paid.”
He stressed that the problem goes beyond a lack of money—it’s also about how money is handled. Clubs often face tight budgets, but poor planning makes things worse.
While the proposed model won’t fix things overnight, Roshan believes it could generate revenue within five or six years—maybe sooner with the right execution.
“Instead of more empty malls, let’s build something that serves the sport and the people. That’s how we fix the root problem,” he said.
Though still in its early stages, Roshan’s idea is gaining attention at a time when Malaysian football urgently needs sustainable solutions and stronger financial oversight.
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