The AFC Secretary-General makes a decision regarding the restructuring of the Malaysian Football Association

Malaysian football is at a critical juncture with the AFC formally intervening to assist in a full-scale reform of the Malaysian Football Association (FAM).

According to AFC Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, the AFC has dispatched a dedicated team led by Deputy Secretary-General Vahid Kardany to conduct a thorough evaluation of FAM’s governance system. He mentioned that the AFC requires about three months to complete data collection, analysis, report preparation, and to propose appropriate reform solutions.

“We are not just here to examine the surface; we will assess the entire organizational structure, from management procedures and operations to the smallest details within the administrative apparatus. Afterwards, a comprehensive report will be presented to identify necessary changes before FAM proceeds with elections,” Windsor emphasized.

Notably, the AFC does not want FAM to rush into holding elections merely to fill personnel vacancies. From the AFC’s perspective, electing a new leadership team while core issues remain unresolved will not help Malaysian football escape its crisis. Instead, the AFC aims to conduct a full review of the organization, clearly identify governance “gaps,” and propose fundamental reforms. These changes may include adjusting the organizational structure, improving workflows, and even amending FAM’s statutes to better align with FIFA and AFC standards.

The AFC Secretary-General also affirmed that not all of FAM’s issues are negative. He believes FAM is an institution with over 100 years of history, long enough to demonstrate a solid foundation and an important role in regional football. However, given that modern football demands greater transparency, professionalism, and efficiency, restructuring is inevitable.

“We are not here to criticize or dismantle what already exists. The AFC’s goal is to help FAM identify weaknesses, close gaps, and build a better management structure that aligns with Malaysia football’s long-term development goals,” Windsor confirmed.

Only after the evaluation and restructuring process is completed can FAM hold elections for the new leadership. At that point, the agreed-upon changes will serve as the foundation for future leaders to manage FAM more transparently, efficiently, and sustainably.This three-month “cleansing” process is regarded as a crucial testnot only for FAM but also for the ambition to revive Malaysian football within Southeast Asia and Asia as a whole.