No salary increment for two years for reinstated FAM sec-gen

 

Azman was suspended on Oct 17 last year after he was implicated in an internal review of FAM’s administration, particularly relating to documentation for seven naturalised players. - NSTP pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Though Datuk Noor Azman Rahman can officially resume his duties as FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general after a disciplinary review, there will be a two-year freeze on his salary increments and a performance review by the exco within six months.

This was stated by FAM acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi today.

Azman was suspended on Oct 17 last year after he was implicated in an internal review of FAM's administration, particularly relating to documentation for seven naturalised players.

The suspension followed concerns raised in the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) report dated Dec 15, which identified administrative lapses but no evidence of deliberate document falsification.

"The IIC found that Azman did not commit any wrongdoing, but there was administrative negligence on his part," said Yusoff.

"The FAM's Disciplinary Board has issued disciplinary measures but decided he could resume his role immediately.

"We follow the committee's processes. Any decision taken by a committee must be respected," he added, explaining the rationale behind Azman's reinstatement.

Azman's name had also been highlighted in certain FIFA documentation relating to the naturalised-player issue, prompting questions about whether his reinstatement could raise concerns internationally.

Yusoff, however, clarified that the move is strictly an internal administrative decision.

"From the FAM perspective, this is our Disciplinary Board's decision. We have to respect that, even if FIFA or other external parties have highlighted names," he said.

FAM reiterated that Azman was not involved in falsifying documents and that his return allows him to resume the day-to-day management of the association.

In October, FAM was fined 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.8million) while seven naturalised players — Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, Imanol Machuca, Hector Hevel, Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garces and Rodrigo Holgado — was suspended from all football-related activities for 12-months and fined 2,000 Swiss francs (RM10,560) each. It then escalated with further sanctions of annulment of match results which saw a dip in Malaysia's ranking.

Currently, the case is under the Court of Artbitration for Sport after FAM appeals the FIFA sanctions. - NST