KUALA LUMPUR: In 2022, Datuk Ong Kim Swee left his post as technical director at the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and was replaced by Scott O’Donell. Ong is now set to return to the role when the Australian’s contract ends in December.
Twentytwo13 learnt that Ong had received his offer letter recently.
Speaking to Twentytwo13 from Azerbaijan, Ong confirmed that he had been offered his former role.
“When I left FAM in 2022, I went to Sabah FC and later joined clubs in Indonesia (Persis Solo and Persik Kediri). I returned to Malaysia and was named director of the National Football Development Programme. Now, I’ve been given the opportunity to return to FAM as technical director,” said Ong, who is in Baku for the Fifa U-15 World Cup and Festival 2026.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to improve things. We need to move forward. Scott has done a good job with the Liga Remaja Kebangsaan, among others, and we need to build on that.”
Ong, who met Fifa’s chief of global football development, Arsène Wenger, earlier today (pictured), said the role would allow him to further develop youth football and synchronise plans for the Under-19 and Under-20 teams.
“It’s not just about grassroots football. We also need to pay attention to the women’s and futsal teams. It’s a big challenge, and I hope to help in every way possible to improve football,” he added.
Twentytwo13 learnt that O’Donell was informed earlier this year that his contract would not be renewed. The Australian had agreed to leave the national body in December.
O’Donell, a former footballer and familiar face in Asian football, declined to comment when contacted.
