BREAKING: AFC 'rejects' Malaysia over illegal naturalized player case

The newest action from AFC has caused further turmoil inside Malaysian football, while FAM is still waiting for CAS's final decision.

Following a prolonged internal crisis related to the lawsuit involving naturalized players, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is currently under comprehensive supervision and evaluation with support from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This process is expected to last three months, focusing on restructuring the management system, enhancing transparency, and restoring trust among member organizations as well as the Malaysian football ecosystem.

In this context, the Melayu Football Association of Malaysia (PBMM), an affiliate member of FAM, submitted a letter to AFC proposing safeguards to ensure the reform process follows the principle of “checks and balances.” However, AFC Secretary General Windsor Paul John emphasized that AFC does not respond on behalf of others, works directly with FAM, and requires FAM itself to reply to PBMM’s proposals.

Specifically, in the letter to AFC, PBMM made two major proposals to ensure FAM’s reform process is transparent and impartial. The first proposal is to establish an independent supervisory council composed of neutral representatives outside the recently resigned FAM Executive Committee (Exco), tasked with monitoring governance and assisting AFC in overseeing operations without participating in policy decisions.

PBMM’s second proposal is to prohibit the resigned 2025–2029 FAM Executive Committee members from running again in the upcoming elections, aiming to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain the objectivity of the reform process. Although acknowledging this suggestion might conflict with FAM’s constitution and democratic principles, PBMM believes it is necessary during this sensitive period. However, AFC has stated that it will not interfere in FAM’s internal affairs and has requested that the Football Association of Malaysia respond on its own behalf.

Previously, the entire FAM Executive Committee resigned en masse on January 28 to protect the integrity of the national football governing body. The crisis erupted after FIFA concluded that FAM violated regulations concerning naturalized player registrations, resulting in heavy financial penalties and suspensions for the involved players, severely damaging the reputation of Malaysian football.

While AFC refrains from intervening in PBMM’s proposals and demands FAM take responsibility for explanations, the future of the Football Association of Malaysia largely depends on the upcoming ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This outcome will not only determine the consequences of the naturalization case but also directly impact confidence in the football reform process in Malaysia.