As you all have probably heard or read (and rolled your eyes), Malaysia stands on the 161st spot at the most recent FIFA Rankings.
We sunk from 156 (in November) to 161 as of 22nd December.
However, we’re still ahead of other Asian countries like Singapore (165), Laos (167), Indonesia (171), and Cambodia (173).
The FIFA rankings system goes all the way back to 1992 as a way to compare and measure the strengths of its member teams. Since then, the system has undergone changes in 1999 and then 2006 after feedback from critics.
The ranking system used to analyse 167 teams, and today the number has grown to 209 countries. But do you know how the FIFA ranking is done? We break it down for you:
Points = M x I x T x C
So what is M, I, T, and C?
M: points for match result
The standard 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 point for loss
I: importance of match
Friendly game: 1.0
World Cup qualifier: 2.5
Confederation’s Cup or confederation-level competition (like the Euro): 3.0
World Cup game: 4.0
T: Strength of opponent
The strength of opponent depends on their ranking. The strongest opponent has a score of 200.
If your opponent is ranked 150, then T = (200 – 150)
If your opponent is ranked 80, T =(200 – 80)
C: Strength of confederation
This is the strength perceived of each continent.
Europe or South America = 1.0
North or Central America = 0.88
Asia or Africa = 0.86
Oceania = 0.85
So there you have it!
Of course, this system is not perfect and is still being met with heavy criticism. For example, the ‘strength of confederation’ lumps all the teams into the same pool, regardless of individual team strength. The system also does not include goal difference, amongst other things.
But then again, besides the tweaking and the improvements, there could never be a perfect ranking system when evaluating a total of 209 countries, right? What do you think?
Other posts by Gowri Krishnan
