AFC has officially issued an 'ultimatum,' demanding Malaysian football take immediate action.

The Asian Football Confederation has firmly called on the Football Association of Malaysia to move away from individual-centered leadership and embrace a governance framework grounded in transparent policies.

Recently, the AFC publicly urged the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to end its culture of arbitrary decision-making, identifying it as the major barrier causing prolonged governance crises in Malaysian football.

According to the AFC, allowing a single person or a small group to interpret rules independently, impose unofficial regulations, or enforce decisions without collective agreement is no longer acceptable in modern football.

AFC Secretary General Windsor John emphasized that the era of ambiguous regulations and personal authority within FAM must come to an end.

He asserted: “In contemporary football, no arbitrary powers should exist. Every decision must be based on rules and procedures agreed upon by all parties.” He pointed out that the core issue within FAM is not the individuals themselves but the system that allows them to act beyond established boundaries.

Windsor also directly rejected the notion that simply changing leadership would solve all problems.

He argued that focusing on individuals only distracts from the essential reforms needed. “The Congress is not the main issue. Reform is far more important,” he stated, adding that retaining personnel does not mean stagnation if those individuals operate within a reformed system.

According to AFC's direction, FAM must develop a modern governance frameworkwhere authority is controlled through documented procedures, transparent processes, and clear oversight mechanisms.

The proposed reforms include amending statutes, clarifying responsibilities, distinctly separating judicial, executive, and administrative branches, and establishing a unified legal system compliant with AFC and FIFA standards. This also entails demands for financial transparency, consistent disciplinary procedures, and decision-making mechanisms that prevent subjective interpretations of rules.

Another contentious issue is the reappointment of FAM Secretary General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman.Previously, public opinion viewed this as evidence of favoritism, as Azman's name had been mentioned in a FIFA decision.

However, Windsor completely dismissed this interpretation and questioned: “What crime has he committed? Tell me. You cannot punish someone who has abided by the law.”

Windsor explained that regulatory ambiguities have turned internal governance issues into public disputes. He also clarified AFC's role: “We are not a law enforcement agency. We do not conduct investigations. That is the police's responsibility.” AFC's role is solely to ensure governance standards are properly upheld.

In conclusion, AFC believes the future of Malaysian football depends not on who occupies the boardroom but on whether that boardroom is managed with clear, transparent, and unalterable rules.