FAM gives ultimatum to Troussier to become national team coach

Philippe Troussier has been given until tomorrow to decide about his future with Malaysia and if the Frenchman declines, Ong Kim Swee will handle the national senior team on a caretaker basis for next month's international matches.

The former Japan coach made unrealistic demands in a recent three-day meeting with the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in Kuala Lumpur.

Troussier did not want FAM to subject him to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and also grant him the liberty to end his contract at any time after serving a year with full compensation.

The national body, however, did not agree to Troussier's terms but the Paris-born promised to look into the offer with his lawyers before making a decision.

"FAM did not officially say 'No' to Troussier, neither did he. The deal is not off. He has returned to Paris to speak to his lawyers and will reply to the national body on Monday (tomorrow)," said a source yesterday.

"FAM hopes Troussier will compromise and accept the offer without added clauses. It is unrealistic for coaches not to have a KPI.

"The national body would have agreed to the standard six-month compensation clause but he wanted full compensation if he leaves after one year.

"However, FAM complied to other demands pertaining the selection of players and the day-to-day operations of the team."

The former Marseille coach, who guided Japan to the 2000 Asian Cup and the last-16 of the 2002 World Cup, was initially approached by FAM through the Japan FA's recommendation.

FAM spoke with Troussier in China last year and met him again in Singapore two months ago.

In the three-day meeting, which ended on Thursday, in KL, Troussier met several FAM officials, including deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

If Troussier does not accept the offer, Kim Swee, who signed a two-year extension as national youth coach recently, will handle the senior team in next month's international matches.

Malaysia play the Philippines on March 1 in a friendly before taking on Yemen in an Asian Cup Group D qualifying match, four days later, in Abu Dhabi (neutral venue).

"Kim Swee is our option for next month's matches on a caretaker basis and if FAM does not hire a senior coach soon, the former international will prepare a team for the AFF Suzuki Cup.

"FAM will continue to scout for suitable candidates for the senior team. We have not rejected other applicants," the source added.

However, there could be a problem if FAM decides to install Kim Swee as a permanent senior coach.

The Malacca-born has already signed a new contract to handle the national Under-23 team (Young Tigers A) for the Incheon Asian Games and also oversee FAM's other youth squads -- Tigers B (Under-21), C (Under-19) and D (Under-17).