Malaysian Football Association leaders are called to resign following FIFA sanctions

Two well-known Malaysian journalists demanded the resignation of the Football Association's leadership after FIFA's recent decision.

On the evening of November 3, FIFA announced the rejection of the Malaysian Football Association’s (FAM) appeal regarding the eligibility of seven naturalized players participating in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

This came as a shock to FAM officials and Malaysian football fans alike, as not only did they lose the services of several key players, but the team may also forfeit matches in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, thereby losing the chance to compete at Asia’s premier football tournament.

After the announcement, Malaysian journalist T. Avineshwaran expressed little surprise at FIFA’s verdict, voiced his disappointment, and called for FAM leaders to resign in order to start fresh on a more promising path.

He shared on X (formerly Twitter): "There is no hatred here. FIFA has clearly stated its decision and the matter is closed. For me, that says it all. We express strong opinions because we love football and do not want Malaysia’s image to be damaged. This country does not deserve such treatment!

FAM announced to FIFA their intention to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They were shocked but remained determined. However, personally, I think enough is enough. Malaysia does not need another committee. FAM officials must have the courage to admit their mistakes, resign, and start anew. Accountability is not a punishment for FAM but the first step toward healing Malaysian football."

Echoing T. Avineshwaran’s view, journalist Piang Shankly also stated that FAM’s plan to appeal to CAS is pointless, wasting both money and time, and called for investigations into forged documents by the naturalized players.

He commented: "FAM wants to continue to sue at CAS? It’s pointless. If you say many countries have won cases at CAS, please provide examples. I can reveal to Malaysian fans that FIFA has won over 80% of cases at CAS.

Don’t waste time or money hanging by a thread. FAM should accept their mistakes and the penalties. Malaysian football leaders must move forward, reorganize everything, especially the development concerning clubs. Don’t let football become a cartoon and disgrace the country.

Malaysia must expose those who created fake documents. Even high-ranking officials should be reported to the police for investigation and prosecution. Additionally, all involved staff, collaborators in FAM and the national team must be removed from Malaysian football."

In the near future, CAS will deliver the final ruling on FAM’s complaint against FIFA. If found guilty, Malaysia’s national team could face severe sanctions from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including a 0-3 forfeit loss against Nepal and Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Nevertheless, the "Malayan Tigers" are still allowed to play in the last two matches of Group F in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, facing Nepal and Vietnam respectively. This may be the final chance for coach Peter Cklamovski’s squad to overcome these hardships, assuming the team is handed the aforementioned forfeits.

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