Malaysian football is warned of a potential collapse

Football expert Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli cautions that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) could fall into a state of turmoil.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is currently experiencing one of the most turbulent periods in its 99-year history, with consecutive upheavals in leadership threatening to paralyze the entire national football management system.

Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli emphasizes that without decisive action, FAM risks organizational and reputational collapse. He highlights the crucial role of the secretary-general in ensuring continuity and professionalism within the organization.

“Suspensions without a clear handover plan have left FAM in a vulnerable position. Coupled with the chairman’s insufficient authority, FAM faces the risk of collapse due to inefficiency and loss of credibility both domestically and internationally,” he stated.

According to Pekan, the current leadership vacuum affects all procedures, from player registration and document verification to communication with FIFA and AFC. The lack of competent personnel with clear authority threatens to halt the entire operational system. “A national football organization cannot function effectively if key positions are vacant or assigned to unprepared individuals to handle crises,” he added.

Signs of instability at FAM were evident during the press conference about FIFA's sanctions. Pekan described it as a “media disaster” when Vice President Datuk S. Sivasundaram failed to answer many questions, and Malaysia’s team CEO, Rob Friend, lacked control over the situation. “The press conference should have reassured the public and demonstrated crisis management skills, but instead it caused further confusion,” he criticized.

From a governance perspective, Pekan believes FAM must quickly stabilize its leadership, appoint capable personnel to key roles, and clarify authorities during the crisis. Additionally, FAM needs to improve transparency and professionalism in communication with the media and international organizations to restore its reputation.

The leadership crisis emerged just days after FIFA released the full disciplinary decision against FAM and seven naturalized players for registration violations. FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs, and the players received 12-month bans.

“FAM cannot continue operating in a reactive manner. They must swiftly stabilize, demonstrate competence, and rebuild trust. Restoring professionalism is no longer optional but essential to protect the future of Malaysian football,”Pekan concluded.