FAM's management faces criticism for its deficiencies, notably a FIFA penalty concerning 7 naturalized players with falsified documents and a lack of financial transparency. Furthermore, issues like clubs owing player salaries and national teams' inconsistent performance highlight FAM's failure to meet its responsibilities.

The New Straits Times reports that sponsors, including the Malaysian government, are growing increasingly wary of FAM. KBS Minister Hannah Yeoh acknowledged this as a natural response in sponsorship. "FAM cannot prolong this situation any further," Yeoh stated at an event in Kuala Lumpur on 28/11.

Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh (left) during a meeting at the headquarters in Putrajaya, Malaysia on 28/11. *Photo: Bernama.*

The KBS Minister stated the government would not easily sever ties with FAM, as this would affect Malaysia's football ecosystem. However, FAM must implement reforms if it wishes to continue receiving support.

"FAM's leadership must change if they want to continue receiving support, sponsorship, and patronage from the government," Minister Yeoh stated. "They must hold discussions on governance and present an improvement plan to regain the trust of sponsors."

The Minister affirmed the cabinet's strong emphasis on transparent and honest governance, given its involvement with public funds. The Malaysian government previously allocated 15 million ringgit, or approximately 96 billion dong, to FAM for the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers campaign. KBS, the Ministry of Finance, the National Sports Council, and the National Security Council closely monitor all expenditures.

Following Minister Hannah Yeoh's statement, FAM's official website and match billboards no longer feature the logo of long-standing sponsor Bank Islam. This action is perceived as an effort to protect its reputation after FIFA's Appeals Committee upheld sanctions against FAM and the 7 naturalized players, releasing detailed records on 18/11.

FAM announced its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). They have 21 days to complete the necessary procedures following the detailed decision.

The KBS Minister underscored the urgency of the situation, reiterating the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)'s request for resolution by March 2026. This coincides with the conclusion of the final Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, where Malaysia will play an away match against Vietnam in the final Group F fixture on 31/3/2026.

Additionally, an independent committee has been established in Malaysia to investigate the naturalization issue within FAM and related government agencies.

Trung Thu