The Malaysian Football Association faces risk of FIFA investigation due to new scandal.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) may come under FIFA oversight after remarks indicating that candidates running for FAM president must receive "approval" from Johor Darul Ta'zim owner, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

Former FAM acting president, Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, recently stated that any individual wishing to contest the top position in Malaysian football requires consent from Tunku Ismail. This statement immediately sparked controversy among football observers in the country.

According to the New Straits Times, many opinions argue that an individual not holding an elected position within FAM yet having authority to decide or approve candidates could violate FIFA regulations. Prominent sports lawyer Nik Erman Nik Roseli noted that such remarks could raise questions about FAM's management independence under FIFA rules for member associations.

He said: "Under Article 19 of FIFA Statutes, football associations must manage affairs independently and without third-party interference. FIFA considers this a serious issue and has suspended associations like Kenya in 2022, Pakistan in 2017 and 2021, Kuwait and Indonesia in 2015, and Nigeria in 2014."

Nik Erman further explained that Article 19 does not specifically define "third party," but FIFA typically interprets it as any individual or organization not appointed or elected under the association's statutes. He emphasized: "A third party is anyone not designated or elected into the management structure. Therefore, statements suggesting need for 'blessing' from a third party are clearly concerning."

According to this lawyer, most previous FIFA sanctions involved direct interference in football administration. However, the current case shows signs of indirect behind-the-scenes influence. He added: "Although this is not a completely clear case, as precedents usually involve direct interference, I still consider this third-party intervention and a violation of Article 19."

FAM has previously also been entangled in disciplinary issues with FIFA. Last year, Malaysian football was shaken when a group of naturalized players were convicted of document forgery. Specifically, seven players including Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, and Imanol Machuca were banned for 12 months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs each for violating Article 22 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code regarding falsification of documents.

On March 5 this year, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the appeal and upheld FIFA's sanctions, though the players were allowed to continue training with their clubs.