AFC sets the timing for announcing disciplinary measures for Malaysian football.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms it will publish audit conclusions and disciplinary actions concerning the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) before the 2026 World Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) confirms it will announce assessment findings and disciplinary measures related to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) prior to the 2026 World Cup, following a comprehensive audit of this country's football governance system.

This information was confirmed by AFC General Secretary Windsor John during a press conference held at FAM headquarters in Kelana Jaya. According to Windsor John, the audit has been underway since early this year with FIFA collaboration and over 20 international experts, aiming to comprehensively review Malaysia's football operational and governance mechanisms.

The audit program, led by AFC Deputy General Secretary Vahid Kardany, focuses on evaluating key areas within FAM's executive structure. Reviewed aspects include the legal system, operational regulations, branding strategy, governance framework, personnel management, and development policies for member associations.

According to AFC, the audit's goal extends beyond improving governance systems to identifying gaps in decision-making processes. Based on this, the Asian football governing body will propose reforms aligned with modern football governance standards.

However, AFC also leaves open the possibility of applying disciplinary measures if violations are detected during the evaluation. General Secretary Windsor John stated that individuals breaching regulations could be brought before international football disciplinary committees.

After the audit report is finalized, FAM is expected to convene an extraordinary congress to approve changes to statutes and organizational structure. If members agree, elections for Malaysian football's new leadership could be held around August or September this year.

This large-scale audit occurs amid Malaysia's football governance crisis. In late January, FAM's entire Executive Committee resigned en masse as part of a restructuring plan for the executive apparatus.

Besides governance issues, controversies regarding the naturalization documents of players like João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Rodrigo Holgado have raised public questions about verification procedures and registration legality. This is considered one reason AFC decided to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of FAM.