Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Putrajaya on October 25 to discuss strengthening the football ecosystem in Malaysia and the ASEAN region. The talks highlighted the FIFA Arena project and the ASEAN-FIFA Football Development Agreement as key initiatives. Infantino also inaugurated Malaysia's first FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Sri Kelana Primary School.
On October 25, amid a busy schedule of international engagements in Putrajaya, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino focused on bolstering football infrastructure and talent development in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
In a Facebook post, Anwar emphasized the FIFA Arena project as a catalyst for nurturing local talents and improving football facilities. "This includes the FIFA Arena project which will serve as a catalyst for the development of more local talents and the enhancement of football infrastructure in the country," he stated. The meeting also addressed the ASEAN-FIFA Football Development Agreement, described as "a strategic step toward opening a new chapter in turning this region into a respected football powerhouse on the global stage."
Anwar reiterated Malaysia's commitment to prioritizing football through enhanced facilities, structured training programs, and collaborations with FIFA, aiming to produce a new generation of players and position the country as a regional hub.
Earlier that day, Infantino launched Malaysia's inaugural FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Sekolah Kebangsaan Sri Kelana in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya. This initiative, pledged at the Sustainable Sports Summit in Paris in July 2024, targets the construction of over 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by the end of 2026, with Malaysia receiving two in the first phase. Each 20x40 meter pitch features artificial turf, perimeter fencing, and goal systems, designed for schools and underserved communities to promote grassroots participation and support UN Sustainable Development Goals.
"We started a couple of months ago, and we’re still at the very early stages. We have built the Arenas in 20 countries, and we have 200 to go. Hundreds of children can benefit from this programme," Infantino said during the event. He added, "This should just be an example of something we can do for children, and when people see it, they will want to have FIFA Arenas all over the country. We are here to help put this in place, to prepare a joint project with the government, FAM and FIFA to make many, many more of these fields in Malaysia."
The launch, attended by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, is part of broader FIFA collaborations including a National Training Centre and the Football for Schools initiative to enhance education and participation.
