FIFA plans to impose severe penalties on Malaysia despite the collective resignation of FAM officials.

Despite the Executive Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia contemplating mass resignation, specialists predict FIFA will not relent and the harsh punishment on Malaysian football will probably stay unchanged.

Facing the risk of suspension by FIFA, news that the Executive Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is considering collective resignation has sparked intense debate among the country's public. Some opinions see this as a goodwill gesture that might help FIFA reconsider mitigating the penalties related to the scandal of falsifying documents for seven naturalized players, which is still under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Speaking to Berita Harian, sports analyst Dr. Pekan Ramli suggested that the FAM leadership’s resignation could be viewed as a form of “collective sacrifice,” which might partially persuade FIFA not to impose harsher sanctions, especially the scenario of suspension. This view quickly gained attention amid the looming deep crisis in Malaysian football.

However, the above opinion faced strong opposition from former FAM Vice President Seri Ridzuan Sheikh Ahmad.

He asserted that mass resignation essentially would not have any real impact on FIFA’s decision.“Even if the FAM Executive Committee resigns, FIFA’s stance will not change. Once FIFA decides to suspend FAM, they will proceed with it”, he emphasized. According to him, FIFA holds a very clear position and is not easily influenced by symbolic actions.

Seri Ridzuan Sheikh Ahmad also stated that the proper approach is to clarify individual responsibility rather than blaming the entire group.

“Why should those uninvolved have to resign? If they are innocent, I see no reason for them to be held accountable for others”, the former FAM leader questioned, while calling for a thorough investigation to accurately identify who is responsible for the document forgery case.

In his view, the key factor preventing FIFA from leniency lies in the issue of reputation. “FIFA needs to protect its own reputation. Having worked in football for over 20 years, I understand FIFA’s behavior. They are very determined and always want to maintain their status as the global governing body of football”, he added.

Meanwhile, Malaysian media reported that the FAM Executive Committee is still considering various options. Acting FAM President Mohd Yusoff Mahadi confirmed that no official decision has been made regarding collective resignation, and the leadership will continue to meet before reaching a final conclusion.

Disciplinary-wise, FIFA has fined FAM 350,000 CHF, annulled the results of three international friendly matches played by the Malaysian team, and awarded 0-3 losses in all three games.Additionally, FAM was fined an extra 10,000 CHF, while the seven involved players were banned from playing for 12 months and fined individually.

Malaysian experts worry that if the appeal at CAS does not yield positive results, FIFA could impose even stricter disciplinary measures, including suspending FAM.