Minister optimistic new FAM team can restore football’s glory

 FAM is planning to hold elections in August or September to appoint a new leadership for the 2025-2029 term.

FAM and seven naturalised Malaysian footballers were penalised by Fifa last September for submitting falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility before Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in June.

PETALING JAYA:

 Youth and sports minister Dr Taufiq Johari hopes the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) new leadership team will be capable of bringing positive change to the country’s football landscape.

Taufiq said the appointment of new leaders could help address weaknesses and strengthen efforts to restore the national team’s standing, reported Bernama.

“FAM will be appointing new executive council members, and I hope this will allow us to work together to address any weaknesses.

“I have never given up on the development of Malaysian football, and I hope we can restore its glory years,” he said.

FAM is reportedly set to hold its elections in either August or September to form a new leadership, following the collective resignation of its executive committee members for the 2025-2029 term in January.

FAM and seven naturalised Malaysian footballers were penalised by Fifa last September after the world football body said the body submitted falsified documents to confirm the players’ eligibility before Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in June.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has partially upheld an appeal filed by the seven players – Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Manchuca, Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel. Their 12-month suspension now applies only to official matches, not all football-related activities.

However, CAS dismissed FAM’s appeal against the fine of 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8 million), ruling that it was justified and proportionate.

Malaysia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup for a second consecutive time were dashed after the Asian Football Confederation handed them a points deduction after ruling that the team fielded ineligible players in last year’s qualifiers against Nepal and Vietnam.

Despite Malaysian football’s image taking a hit internationally following the scandal, Taufiq said he remains confident it has a bright future.

He said proactive steps are crucial to restoring the national team’s former glory through comprehensive reforms, particularly in governance.

He also stressed the need to rebuild public confidence in the country’s football development, especially at the grassroots level, through initiatives such as the National Football Development Programme.

“What matters most is how we move forward to rebuild the national team. Good governance is essential, supported by a strong system and reinforced through existing programmes,” he said. - FMT