Breaking developments in Malaysia’s naturalization case, FIFA and AFC consider taking over FAM

The controversy surrounding the seven naturalized Malaysian players is intensifying, leading FIFA and AFC to weigh the possibility of direct involvement, including assuming authority over the Football Association of Malaysia.

The issue linked to the naturalization scandal of seven Malaysian footballers is unfolding in a complex manner and has become a focal point of attention in the Southeast Asian region. According to international sources, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) may contemplate direct intervention in the management of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), regardless of the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Under FIFA and AFC regulations, these organizations have the authority to implement special measures if serious violations related to governance, transparency, and compliance are detected. In this context, the possibility of temporarily taking over FAM is being discussed as a potential option.

Currently, two main scenarios are being considered. The first option involves external intervention. In this case, FIFA or AFC might establish a normalization committee or an interim committee to address the issues within FAM’s management system. Should disciplinary actions be enforced, the FAM executive board would likely be dissolved, and full control handed over to this committee until new leadership elections are held.

The second option is an internal solution. Specifically, the entire FAM executive board could resign collectively, paving the way for the creation of a temporary committee. This committee would be responsible for reviewing and rectifying violations based on reports from the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC), along with conclusions from FIFA’s Disciplinary and Appeals Committees.

Experts believe that regardless of which scenario is chosen, Malaysian football will face significant consequences, ranging from disruptions in management operations to damage to its reputation on regional and continental stages. Moving forward, FIFA and AFC are expected to closely monitor the situation before making a decisive move that could be pivotal for the future of FAM and Malaysian football.