Unexpected move by the Football Association of Malaysia amid takeover threats

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has affirmed its willingness to follow guidance from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

This information was revealed by journalist Fadhirul Shuhaimi of Astro Arena after the FAM Executive Committee (Exco) meeting held in Petaling Jaya.

“FAM is prepared to follow advice from FIFA or AFC for the long-term growth and survival of national football,” Fadhirul shared on the social media platform X.

Additionally, Fadhirul stated that there were no resignation letters submitted by any Exco members of FAM today, dismissing rumors about a mass resignation of FAM’s leadership. However, he also disclosed that the option of a collective resignation by the Exco was discussed during the meeting.

“No Exco member resigned today. The possibility of the Exco stepping down was one of the options discussed in the meeting,”he added.

Earlier, the AFC recommended that FAM undertake internal reforms to improve governance and management within the organization.

The aim of these reforms is to prevent FAM from facing harsher penalties, including the risk of FIFA suspending its membership. One proposed reform was for the entire FAM Executive Committee to resign, followed by the establishment of an interim committee to manage FAM until stability is restored.

Previously, Malaysia took a very firm stance in the dispute with FIFA, prepared to pursue the legal fight to the end. However, that firm position shifted following news that FIFA and AFC might intervene more deeply in FAM’s internal affairsif they determine the member association cannot resolve the crisis on its own.

In the worst-case scenario, the Football Association of Malaysia could be suspended. This would mean national teams would be barred from participating in international competitions, while clubs from the Malaysia Super League (M-League) would still be allowed to represent the country in international tournaments such as the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) or ACL II.

This is the grim outcome that FAM wants to avoid. As a result, the tone of Malaysian football officials has changed significantly since this information emerged.