FIFA Sanction Risk, Malaysian Football Association Still Has an Escape Route

Even if the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) faces suspension from FIFA and the entire executive committee (EXCO) collectively resigns, some people will be ready to take on leadership roles within the body.

According to Malaysia’s Bharian newspaper, this is the view of Associate Professor Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, a domestic football observer. He believes such a situation could create a leadership “vacuum” and raise questions about whether anyone would want to take on executive roles when FAM no longer holds the same “power,” but he affirms that FAM will never “die.”

Zulakbal emphasized that football holds a very special place in the hearts of Malaysians and this very fact will continue to attract individuals willing to run for officeand lead FAM in future election congresses.

Zulakbal shared: “I am confident that someone will step forward to assume leadership; we just don’t know who yet, as no one has publicly expressed their intention so far. Naturally, some affiliated members are ready and interested in filling the gap if current leaders decide to step down. There is no need to worry too much. There are plenty of capable people to succeed, and I am optimistic that FAM will not be buried.”

Previously, Malaysian media reported that clubs in the Liga Malaysia (Liga M) system would be barred from representing the country in international tournaments if FAM were suspended by FIFA, related to the falsification of documents involving seven Harimau Malaya players.

This information was confirmed by Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, Secretary General of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). He stated that FIFA and AFC are closely monitoring FAM’s situation. According to Windsor, if FAM is suspended, Malaysian football will face serious consequences, including domestic clubs being barred from continental competitions such as the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) or ACL2.

Moreover, the national team along with Malaysia’s youth teams would also be “frozen,” unable to compete internationally. Facing this threat, FAM executive committee members have expressed their readiness to resign en masse if that is the best option to avoid FIFA suspension. Acting FAM President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said this is one of the options being considered by the leadership after a meeting with committee members in Petaling Jaya last Thursday.