Fearing a FIFA ban, Malaysia's top official speaks cautiously

Malaysia's Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) recently stated it will work very carefully with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) regarding the FIFA penalty case.

This statement was publicly shared by Minister Hannah Yeoh on her official page amid an investigation into FAM over the scandal involving documents of seven naturalized players. According to Hannah Yeoh, if the authorities interfere too deeply in FAM's affairs, FIFA might consider it a violation and impose a suspension of membership. Such a sanction would impact all Malaysian football, from the national team and youth squads to clubs participating in the Malaysian Football League (MFL) and the amateur league (AFL).

“The government must exercise extreme caution. We do not want Malaysia to face a suspension like some other countries that made mistakes. If FIFA bans us, not only the national team but the entire domestic football scene will be paralyzed,” she emphasized.

The female minister also cited several examples: Indonesia was banned for a year in 2015, Zimbabwe was suspended in 2022, while Chad, Benin, and Brunei also faced penalties due to government or court interference in football associations.

“FIFA always requires football associations to be independent and free from political influence. This is a mandatory principle for all members,” she added.

After FIFA fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs and banned seven players for 12 months due to document fraud, FAM established an independent investigation committee chaired by former Malaysian Supreme Court Chief Justice Tun Md. Raus Sharif.

This committee will review the entire player naturalization process, investigate the cause of the issue, and propose corrective measures. The investigation results are expected to be released within six weeks.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Sports affirmed they will only observe and provide support when necessary, strictly avoiding interference to ensure compliance with FIFA regulations.

Malaysia’s case is still closely monitored by FIFA and serves as a warning to many Southeast Asian countries about maintaining transparency and independence in football governance.