The 'major overhaul' of Malaysian football.

The outcome of the upcoming hearing with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), along with the actions of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), will determine the fate of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in particular and Malaysian football in general.

EMPTY CHAIRS

Immediately after all members of the FAM Executive Committee resigned, the organization was forced to hold a surprise general assembly to elect new faces to fill the vacant positions. However, this was not an easy task. While the individuals who resigned were unlikely to seek re-election, the remaining officials were unwilling to take on the "hot seat." FAM had to continue operating, led by core officials such as Secretary General Noor Azman Rahman and Treasurer Ismail Karim. In addition, FAM has two other department heads responsible for maintaining communication between FAM and the AFC and FIFA. Clearly, FAM is showing a willingness to listen and change under the supervision of larger bodies.

This is further demonstrated by the AFC's right to deeply intervene in the governance of FAM, where weaknesses have been exposed. The AFC will not only reassess but will directly participate in restructuring FAM. This can be considered a major overhaul in management aimed at eliminating the opaque and complex work processes that have persisted over time. The most typical example is the AFC leadership's claim that the error in the naturalization process of seven players, which violated regulations, was due to an administrative staff member making a "technical error."

Hector Hevel (13) and his teammates may return, but FAM is still in a state of utter chaos.

PHOTO: NGOC LINH

The restructuring process that the AFC is undertaking for FAM is expected to last approximately three months. This is sufficient time for AFC experts to review the entire system, from operating regulations to personnel management. This support is particularly important in helping FAM rebuild trust with fans and sponsors. A strong federation must first have a solid governance foundation, and Malaysia is striving to achieve that.

AWAITING THE CAS RULING

While FAM is working on internal reforms, all eyes in the professional world are still on Switzerland, where the hearing with the CAS is scheduled for February 25th or 26th. This is considered the final ruling to determine the fate and reputation of all parties involved in the FAM's illegal naturalization of players.

The outcome from CAS will not only affect personnel but could also directly impact the restructuring roadmap that the AFC is implementing. If an unfavorable ruling is issued, the crisis could be prolonged and worsen. Conversely, if FAM is acquitted, their return to football, as well as that of Malaysian football, will be brighter. However, this scenario is unlikely, despite CAS's decision to temporarily suspend the 12-month ban on seven Malaysian players. This is not a sign of FAM's innocence but merely a move to protect the players' careers. Even the AFC Secretary-General, Seri Windsor Paul John, a Malaysian, advised coach Peter Cklamovski not to use these seven players in the match against Vietnam on March 31st.

The illegal naturalization of players has strengthened the Malaysian national team but has also brought about many negative consequences, affecting the entire football system. Therefore, the FAM is facing a major overhaul. However, that is the only way for them to make a comeback.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-dai-phau-cua-bong-da-malaysia-185260129211158988.htm