Kuala Lumpur:Major European football clubs should consider directly investing in Malaysia by establishing their own academies, according to former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Stam is in Kuala Lumpur with former football stars including John Arne Riise, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, and Alessandro Del Piero to promote the AllStar Legends five-a-side match, scheduled for October 3 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

When asked about European clubs setting up their own academies in Malaysia, Stam expressed support for the idea, stating that investment in academies is crucial. He highlighted the importance of such collaborations in a press conference for the AllStar Legends event.

John Arne Riise, a former Liverpool defender, echoed Stam's sentiments, emphasizing the need for a long-term approach by European clubs to establish a stronger presence in Malaysia, rather than relying on short-term engagements.

Currently, Malaysia hosts several football academies affiliated with European clubs like Villarreal, Real Madrid, and Liverpool. These operate through partnerships or licensing arrangements with local entities, rather than being directly operated by the clubs.

The AllStar Legends match will feature Premier League Legends, including Gerrard, Owen, Ryan Giggs, Eidur Gudjohnsen, David Bentley, Danny Simpson, and Riise, competing against the World Legends. The World Legends team will include Stam, alongside Del Piero, Dida, Javier Saviola, Fernando Morientes, Diego Capel, and Gregory van der Wiel.