Harimau Malaya earn up to RM1.07 million for FIFA ASEAN Cup bronze as Tan Cheng Hoe says he wants to stay on

Harimau Malaya are set to take home between US$225,000 and US$255,000, roughly RM945,000 to RM1.07 million, after finishing third at the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup. And interim head coach Tan Cheng Hoe has made clear he is willing to carry on, while leaving the final decision to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

The figures were reported by Media Selangor, citing Berita Harian, following Malaysia's 1-0 win over Vietnam in the third-place play-off at Jakarta's Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

An unbeaten, clean-sheet campaign

Malaysia finished the tournament without losing and without conceding a goal in four matches. They beat Bangladesh 3-0, drew 0-0 with hosts Indonesia, thrashed Singapore 6-0 and then edged Vietnam through Fergus Tierney's 62nd-minute strike.

That record means Malaysia scored ten goals and conceded none. The win over Vietnam also ended a 12-year wait for a victory against that opponent, Bernama noted.

Indonesia went on to win the tournament, beating Thailand on penalties in the final.

Cheng Hoe: ready to continue

Cheng Hoe, 58, was appointed interim coach in June after Peter Cklamovski's departure. He had previously led the national team from 2017 to 2021 and was an assistant when Malaysia won the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.

In comments reported by Bernama on Tuesday, he said he would put all his energy into the national team for as long as he was able. As before the tournament, he stressed that the decision on who leads Harimau Malaya next rests with FAM.

He also pointed to the pressure his players were under to deliver for supporters. Cheng Hoe said the team needed strong results to win back fans' backing, and warned against complacency after a positive campaign, according to a report carried by Newswav.

FAM has not yet announced its plans for the head coach role.

No holiday, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the squad on Facebook after the win over Vietnam, thanking the players and coaching staff for their fighting spirit. He then added, with a light touch, that there would be no public holiday to celebrate.

"No public holiday, yes," he wrote, as reported by The Sun, adding that the following day was work as usual. The post was a nod to past occasions when sporting success has prompted calls for a day off.

What it means for Malaysian football

After a difficult period earlier in the year, the ASEAN Cup has given Malaysian football a lift. A defence that did not concede in four matches, a convincing 6-0 win over Singapore and a first win over Vietnam since 2014 have helped restore some confidence among supporters.

The next step is FAM's decision on the coaching set-up. Whether Cheng Hoe is kept on or a permanent appointment is made, the new head coach will inherit a squad that has just shown it can be hard to beat.

Key takeaways

• Malaysia's third-place finish is worth between US$225,000 and US$255,000 (about RM945,000 to RM1.07 million).
• Harimau Malaya went unbeaten and conceded no goals in four FIFA ASEAN Cup matches.
• Interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe says he is willing to continue but leaves the decision to FAM.
• PM Anwar Ibrahim congratulated the team but ruled out a public holiday.

FAQ How much prize money did Malaysia earn at the FIFA ASEAN Cup? Reports put Malaysia's share at US$225,000 to US$255,000, roughly RM945,000 to RM1.07 million, for finishing third. Will Tan Cheng Hoe remain Malaysia coach? Cheng Hoe has said he is willing to carry on, but FAM has not yet announced a decision. What were Malaysia's results at the FIFA ASEAN Cup? Malaysia beat Bangladesh 3-0, drew 0-0 with Indonesia, beat Singapore 6-0 and beat Vietnam 1-0 in the third-place play-off.

Sources: Bernama, Media Selangor, Berita Harian, The Sun, Newswav