Azman Rahman has just been reinstated as Secretary General of the Football Association of Malaysia - Photo: Metro
Malaysian football 'ignores' FIFA.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) unilaterally reinstated Secretary General Azman without waiting for a ruling from FIFA.
Báo Tuổi Trẻ•11/01/2026The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has officially reinstated Secretary-General Datuk Noor Azman Rahman. He had previously been suspended from his duties since mid-October 2025 to facilitate an investigation into a scandal involving the falsification of documents for seven Malaysian naturalized players.
Notably, FAM's acting president, Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, asserted that the federation did not need to consult FIFA on this matter. "Regarding Azman's case, we don't need to ask FIFA for advice. Our internal process is complete and he has been exonerated," Yusoff declared.
This move did not cause a stir because, even the Malaysian press had previously reported that Azman was suspended by FIFA. And only if the World Football Federation agreed would he be reinstated.
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Although FAM concluded that Azman only made an "administrative error" and was not guilty, his position is still under serious threat.
FIFA is currently conducting independent interviews and investigations. If they issue a ruling different from FAM's internal conclusions, the future of this secretary-general will once again be uncertain.
The case stemmed from the discovery that the origin documents of seven naturalized players were forged. The Independent Commission of Inquiry (IIC) previously admitted it could not find the mastermind due to a lack of cooperation from various parties. This raised suspicions that Azman was merely a scapegoat or that powerful figures were behind the manipulation.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamad Mahathir once alluded to the scandal, saying, "There are powerful figures who believe they will never be brought to light, even if the truth comes out."
In addition to facing FIFA, the FAM leadership is also being questioned by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). More than 45 police reports have been filed, and at least eight suspects have been questioned.
FAM's decision to "jump the gun" and reinstate high-ranking officials before FIFA had reached a conclusion is considered a risky move.
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This not only reveals a rift in the relationship between FAM and FIFA, but could also lead to harsher penalties for Malaysian football in the future.
THANH DINH
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bong-da-malaysia-ngo-lo-fifa-2026011115213193.htm
