Malaysian Football Association receives a stern warning: 'Don't pretend with FIFA'

With the threat of an extended management crisis, Malaysian specialists argue that FIFA's interim control should be seen not as a penalty but as the clearest way to reform FAM.

The Football Association of Malaysia is entering its most sensitive period in yearsas the Executive Committee is reportedly set to resign en masse next week, amid mounting pressure from FIFA and domestic public opinion. This move has been described by some sources as a tactical retreat aimed at avoiding FIFA appointing a normalization committee, thereby preserving internal control within the Malaysian Football Association.

However, this approach immediately faced strong criticism from experts. Sports analyst Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli openly condemned the plan of mass resignation only to run for re-election afterwards.

“Don’t stage a drama by resigning today and running again tomorrow. That’s shameful and completely inappropriate,”, he said. According to Pekan, this is not the time for FAM to “distract” FIFA but to confront the issues head-on.

Mr. Pekan emphasized that the violations involving seven naturalized players cannot be blamed solely on one term of management. “This problem occurred during both the current and previous administrations. No one can pretend to be innocent,”the Malaysian expert stated. Therefore, simply changing names through internal elections will not be enough to restore trust.

One of Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli’s most notable views is his open support for the possibility of FIFA taking over. “Whether FAM resigns or not, if FIFA wants to intervene, they will do so. There is no detour,”he said.

He believes that a normalization committee led by FIFA, with clear deadlines and plans, would be more transparent and effective than elections that risk repeating old alliances.

Instead of seeing it as a punishment, Pekan suggests viewing it as an opportunity. “FIFA’s takeover is not a death sentence. It’s a chance to restart and rebuild Malaysia’s football reputation,”he stressed. He also compared voluntary resignation to being forced out: “Better to resign with honor than be pushed out when FIFA intervenes,”.

Another warning Pekan issued was directed straight at FAM’s affiliated members who will vote to decide the new leadership. “The public is watching. If you keep choosing the same old faces, that’s not reform, it’s self-deception,”he said.

According to him, Malaysia is not short of new talents; the issue is whether they dare to give opportunities. “Don’t say there’s no one. If that excuse is still used, it means the system is flawed,”.

In the context of FAM still awaiting the final verdict from CAS and facing the risk of additional sanctions from AFC,Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli’s call serves as a strong wake-up call. Although controversial, FIFA’s takeover might be the necessary shock for Malaysian football to break free from the cycle of mismanagement and begin a more transparent chapter.