THE FA of Malaysia (FAM) are ready to end LionsXII’s stay in the M-League when the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the national body and FA of Singapore (FAS) ends in 2015.

Such scenario will take place should FAM see no mutual benefit in continuing with the MoU, which on the outset appears to only benefit Singapore, following their recent Super League success.

Speaking to sports247.my, newly appointed FAM secretary general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin was of the opinion that it is up to the Executive Committee to decide at the end of the current MoU.

However, Hamidin refuted suggestions that Malaysia had yet to gain anything out of the MoU.

“We have to be proactive in constantly thinking of ways to improve Malaysian football. We have to look at the bigger picture. We must talk footballing matters, and this MoU is good for football.

“We have to see things positively but of course, if FAM see no benefit to the arrangements, then can decide against continuing it. It will be up to the Executive Committee members to decide when that time comes,” said Hamidin.

Hamidin also stressed that the exchange programme was more than just football, as it helps foster a better diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Singapore had already begun to reap the benefits of the agreement as they won last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup, with a larger number of the LionsXII players being key members of their national squad.

LionsXII won the Super League this week and with the exception of skipper Shahril Ishak, Baihakki Khaizan, Fazrul Nawaz, Isa Halim and Irwan Shah, the rest will spearhead Singapore’s quest for the SEA Games gold medal in Myanmar later this year.

In contrast, Ong Kim Swee’s Harimau Muda side pulled out of the S-League after just one season, citing the lack of competitiveness.

“There is more to it than just sending a team to each other’s leagues. The MoU also includes the two-legged Causeway Challenge (which Malaysia called off this year), referee exchange and youth programmes as well.

“Our U-19 (Harimau Muda B) side are playing in the S-League. They are seventh in the league, but it is not about the results for them. They are young and the exposure could help them in the future. They could someday represent Malaysia,” Hamidin added.

Source: #sthash.Mufs6JrB.dpuf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.sports247.my/2013/07/fam-ready-to-pull-plug-on-lionsxii/#sthash.Mufs6JrB.dpuf