Honesty is important for football development.
However, some clubs in Malaysia often bend the rules to get their way.
The Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) yesterday questioned the integrity of these clubs for making a mockery of things.
Two months ago, the Amateur Football League (AFL) decided that foreign players and coaches will not be allowed in the 20-team M3 League.
However, it is understood that some third-tier clubs have hired foreign coaches.
These clubs are hiring local coaches to act as 'puppets' for foreign signings to manage their teams.
FCAM president B. Satiananthan said Malaysian football is not moving forward because some clubs like to bend the rules.
"The lack of honesty is affecting the development of Malaysian football. Some are even willing to bend the rules to get their way," claimed Satiananthan.
"We can ramp-up enforcement and conduct checks to see if teams are employing foreigners to conduct training, but they can always get away by giving excuses. It becomes worse when there are local coaches who are willing to play along.
"Local coaches can do their part by filing complaints, but most would not dare in fear of losing their jobs.
"It is a no-win situation as there are many dishonest individuals. Honesty and integrity are severely lacking. It is affecting the credibility of our football league."
Satiananthan added that the FCAM are looking at tightening regulations to ensure only quality foreign coaches ply their trade in Malaysia.
The Super League are only allowed to hire Pro A licence (Pro Coaching Diploma) coaches and the same ruling will be implemented in the Premier League from next season.
"Anyone can earn a Pro A licence. It is like enrolling for a course in college and university, in which you can earn a diploma upon completion.
"I noticed that many foreign coaches from lower division teams in Europe are plying their trade in the M-League.
"It is quite puzzling as some foreign coaches, who had only coached amateur and lower division clubs in Europe, can get big teams here.
"We need coaches who can raise the bar, not lower it. We need to look into the regulations with the help of concerned parties to ensure quality.
"We will propose some changes to the FA of Malaysia and the Malaysian Football League for further action.
"Foreign coaches should come from higher-ranked countries with experiences of coaching top division clubs."