AFC sends a positive signal to the Football Association of Malaysia

AFC has sent an encouraging message to the Football Association of Malaysia, expressing readiness to support reforms and opening the possibility to avoid severe FIFA sanctions if FAM proactively makes changes.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is facing a critical turning point amid the scandal involving forged documents related to seven naturalized players, which continues to cause shockwaves. The Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, affirmed that FAM now has only two clear options: to initiate reforms with AFC’s assistance or risk suspension by FIFA.

Previously, Malaysian media revealed that the FAM Executive Committee might collectively resign as early as next week. This move is seen as a "damage control" strategy to prevent FIFA from intervening deeply by establishing a normalization committee to take over all football operations in Malaysia.

However, Datuk Seri Windsor John emphasized that collective resignation only matters if accompanied by a comprehensive reform plan. According to him, the decision-making power currently rests entirely with FAM.

“This issue will definitely be discussed by the FAM Executive Committee. They must choose: either accept the risk of FIFA sanctions leading to the formation of a normalization committee, or proactively make strategic decisions to protect Malaysia’s football ecosystem,” Mr. Windsor stated.

The AFC Secretary General noted that to avoid suspension, FAM can proactively request AFC to assist with governance reforms. In that case, AFC is ready to step in to review, assess, and address weaknesses in FAM’s current management system.

“AFC is always ready to provide support when requested. We have done similar work with several other federations such as Iraq, Syria, Pakistan, and India,” Mr. Windsor shared. Accordingly, AFC will send experts and personnel to conduct audits, evaluate management, and assist in reorganizing congresses after the transitional period.

He also stressed that this is not a unique approach to Malaysia but a general principle of AFC in supporting member federations facing governance crises.

With the future of Malaysian football under serious question, FAM’s upcoming decision will not only affect the federation internally but also directly impact the nation’s football standing regionally and continentally.