The MyTeam project has no links with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) although it is managed by a company owned by FAM independent council member and Umno Youth deputy head Khairy Jamaluddin.

When contacted, FAM vice-president Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Omar said MyTeam is managed by a company called Maya Team with the cooperation of other local corporate entities, including Telekom Malaysia.

The Youth and Sports Ministry is also involved in the soon-to-be-aired reality television programme featuring budding footballers.

"MyTeam is not managed by FAM and the two have no links whatsoever," stressed Raja Ahmad.

He was responding to a statement by PAS Youth vice-chief Idris Ahmad who claimed that Khairy ( left ) was taking advantage of his position in FAM to reap a huge profit via the MyTeam project.

Idris also alleged that Khairy was awarded the right to manage the programme because he was a FAM committee member.

"It must be stressed that while the quality of sports must be upgraded in this country, it must be free of political interests," said the opposition leader.

Khairy is also son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and chairperson of the FAM referees committee.

Not a competitor

Explaining further, Raja Ahmad said the maintenance cost and sponsorship of MyTeam is handled by MayaTeam.

The selection process for the project will commence this Saturday in Johor Baru and will draw to an end in Kuala Lumpur on April 9. The team will later take on the national squad at Stadium Nasional in Bukit Jalil on May 28.

Maya Team has engaged the services of former national player and television personality Serbegeth Singh to scout for potential talents to join the project.

Meanwhile, Raja Ahmad said FAM does not consider MyTeam as a competitor but instead welcomed the project as it could help develop the sport in Malaysia.

According to him, the development of football in this country should not be seen as being the sole responsibility of FAM and the burden must be shared by the corporate sector as well.