Malaysia's Ministry of Youth and Sports demands FAM take responsibility and supports an independent investigation

04/11/2025 20:59:00 ChampionChatter

The Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) has called on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to show responsibility and declared full support for the independent investigation led by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif.

Through the Sports Commissioner’s Office (SCO), KBS announced it will work closely with the Independent Special Investigation Committee, with upcoming conclusions expected to serve as a foundation for reforms and internal corrections within FAM.

Minister Hannah Yeoh stressed that although accountability is necessary, the government must be extremely cautious to avoid violating FIFA rules that strictly forbid political interference in football operations.

Malaysian Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh. Photo: Bernama

She warned that any act deemed as interference could lead to FIFA suspending FAM’s membership, causing serious consequences for Malaysian football at all levels.

"A suspension would not only affect the national team but also trickle down to youth squads, tournaments managed by the Malaysia Football League (MFL) and Amateur Football League (AFL), as well as local clubs," Yeoh stated.

The Minister explained that such a ban would cripple the entire football ecosystem and disrupt Malaysia’s long-term development plans.

Historically, many countries have been sanctioned by FIFA for similar reasons: Indonesia was suspended for one year (2015) after its Sports Ministry froze football association activities.

Zimbabwe was banned from international competition in 2022 when a government-appointed body took control of the association. Chad received a similar penalty in 2021 for establishing a "Special Football Committee."

Meanwhile, Benin (2015) and Brunei (2009) were also banned due to political or judicial interference.

"These cases illustrate FIFA’s strict position in enforcing Article 15(c), which requires football associations to function independently without influence from government or politics," affirmed Hannah Yeoh.

She stated that KBS’s objective is to ensure FAM complies with international standards while improving transparency and accountability domestically.

"We hope FAM strengthens its governance capacity and regains public confidence in the integrity and reputation of Malaysian football," Yeoh added.

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