KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) will not allow grassroots development to be sidelined just because some Super League clubs claim they can't do it due to financial problems.
An adamant FAM have insisted that it is mandatory for the 14 Super League clubs to have developmental President's Cup and Youth Cup teams from next season.
For this season, a "lenient FAM" let the clubs make do with only either the President's Cup or Youth Cup team.
For those clubs who complain of financial headache in having "extra teams", FAM technical director Scott O'Donell said there are always "ways" around the problem.
He said the clubs should work within their means and they don't need a large group of players.
"I did some assessment and saw that some clubs have 30 players. Why do you need that many for an Under-18 team?
"It's about managing their players, staff and working within their budget. Ensure their teams are viable and competitive.
"If you have a limited budget, then don't live outside your means. You can sign 20 players but don't need to have two assistant coaches or fitness coaches. These can be shared between the teams (President's Cup and Youth Cup teams)."
Under the restructured M-League, all Super League teams must have a second team to compete in the Reserve League (formerly Premier League). The players for the Reserve League are to come from the President's Cup or Youth Cup teams as part of development.
However, some clubs claim that they are already struggling to manage even one Super League team, let alone run both the President's Cup and Youth Cup teams for the Reserve League and M-3 League.
However, FAM will not let these clubs shirk development work despite their pushback and protests.
"We're hoping all the teams will find a solution because we cannot jeopardise football development. If we don't do this, how then do we grow or unearth talent?
"We have to allocate budget for development," said FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi.
"Don't forget that grassroots is important for us and we want everyone to be wise, not putting it (development) aside.
"With less budget, there will be less quality. But when we have a big budget, like for the Super League, where's the quality?"
It seems FAM is really playing hard ball this time. If the clubs don't do as told, they won't be granted a playing licence for the Super League.