KUALA LUMPUR: A top Japanese coach could cost the FA of Malaysia (FAM) up to US$60,000 (RM244,900) a month to lead the national football team.
FIFA-licensed agent Effendi Jagan Abdullah said the cost would depend on a coach's profile, international experience and track record.
Effendi, who is also managing director of Action Football Asia, estimated that a Japanese coach with a strong reputation and a proven track record in Asia would command at least US$30,000 (RM122,440) a month.
"For a coach who is truly at the highest level and has a name in Asia, I think FAM would need to prepare at least around US$30,000 (RM122,440) a month.
"But for someone better, the offer would certainly be higher. It could potentially reach a maximum of US$60,000 (RM244,900).
"FAM must be prepared to invest heavily because we cannot simply appoint an ordinary coach to lead Harimau Malaya. We must ensure that we get a good return on the money invested," he said.
Japanese news portal Sakanowa recently reported that Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu had emerged as a candidate for the Malaysia job, citing Vietnamese media outlet Tien Phong.
The report said Moriyasu's name had surfaced as FAM considers appointing a foreign coach in the future.
However, the salary estimates cited by Effendi were not specifically linked to Moriyasu, and there has been no confirmation that FAM has approached the Japanese coach.
Harimau Malaya are currently led by interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who guided the team to third place in the FIFA Asean Cup.
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