AFC sends a cold message to Malaysian football

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed that the mass resignation of the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) board was never instructed by the AFC.

In recent days, numerous senior officials of the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) have submitted their resignations in an attempt to protect the association from the risk of suspension. However, in a recent interview with Time Sports, AFC Secretary General Windsor John emphasized that the AFC only presented options for FAM to consider, without applying pressure or recommending a mass resignation.

Mr. Windsor John stated that the resignations by FAM officials would hold little significance if they are not accompanied by profound structural reforms, even as the organization faces potential sanctions from FIFA.

“We do not force anyone. We simply put options on the table; the decision is theirs,”he said when asked if the proposal for collective resignation originated from the AFC’s recommendation.

“If resigning is just for show... it’s better not to resign at all,”Windsor said frankly, adding that true accountability can only be established through reviewing statutes, auditing policies, and conducting a comprehensive administrative audit. “They need to implement reforms as part of the resignation and election process.”

He also warned that the current situation could lead to serious international consequences if not handled properly. According to the AFC Secretary General, FAM faces two paths: either to conduct internal cleansing themselves or risk FIFA intervening by appointing a Normalization Committee.

Windsor added that any audit conducted by the AFC can only begin after the FAM executive committee makes a final decision, and the extent of the audit will depend on the scale of governance issues. Ultimately, Windsor said everything will depend on the upcoming FAM executive meeting. If the leadership changes its stance, all current plans will collapse. A press conference to announce the power transition is expected on January 28.

FAM is under close scrutiny following disciplinary sanctions imposed by FIFA last year for violating Article 22 related to falsifying and misrepresenting documents concerning seven naturalized players.

FIFA fined FAM 350,000 CHF (1.8 million RM), while each player received a 12-month ban and a 2,000 CHF (10,600 RM) fine. Malaysia’s results from three international friendlies last year were also annulled, awarding 3-0 wins to Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine.

Additionally, FAM is awaiting a final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and faces the risk of further sanctions from the AFC. They may forfeit 0-3 losses to Nepal and Vietnam due to using ineligible naturalized players in those matches.