Former FAM secretary-general Datuk Seri Azzuddin Ahmad calls for a complete leadership overhaul to revive Malaysian football, questioning current management’s credibility.
FOOTBALL Association of Malaysia requires a total reset with a new, sincere leadership to revive the sport, says its former secretary-general.
Datuk Seri Azzuddin Ahmad stated the governing body needs a young, dynamic and transparent team working genuinely for football.
“If there is no change, the future of our national football looks bleak,” he told reporters after an event here.
He was commenting on the collective resignation of all FAM executive committee members for the 2025–2029 term.
Azzuddin, also an advisor to the Malaysian Deaf Sports Association, questioned the credibility of current secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman.
“I think what has happened clearly shows that his capability and credibility can be questioned,” he said.
FAM has been in crisis since FIFA confirmed it and seven heritage players violated Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The global body found FAM submitted documents believed falsified to verify player eligibility for a match.
Consequently, FAM was fined approximately RM1.8 million, while each player was fined around RM11,000 and suspended for 12 months.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has since granted a stay of execution for the players’ suspensions.
Azzuddin also described the AFC’s intervention as a major blow to FAM’s standing.
A special AFC task force is assisting FAM with an internal assessment based on international benchmarks.
“To my knowledge, within Southeast Asia, this may be the first time a football association has been monitored or guided by the AFC,” he said.
AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the task force will table a report with recommendations for improvement.
The findings are expected to form the basis for structural changes needed to make FAM stronger and more professional.
