According to Malaysian media, AFC Secretary General Windsor John emphasized that the FAM must solve internal problems that arise on its own, instead of waiting for direct intervention from the AFC. This view was put forward after several member associations in Malaysia, including the Football Association of Malaysia (PBMM), sent petitions related to the management process of the FAM.
Previously, at the end of January, the entire FAM Executive Committee simultaneously resigned, paving the way for a plan to restructure the leadership apparatus. This move takes place in the context that Malaysian football is facing the risk of being disciplined by FIFA, related to prolonged violations in management and player naturalization.
The dissolution of the FAM Executive Committee has caused the Malaysian football system to fall into a state of turmoil. Many affiliated federations and associations expressed concern about continuity in governance, and at the same time put pressure on the FAM to soon have a solution to stabilize the situation.
Sources from Harian Metro said that FAM once expected AFC to play an intermediary role, supporting the handling of internal conflicts after personnel changes. However, AFC rejected this request and affirmed that the responsibility first and foremost belongs to FAM itself in working with its members.
However, AFC will still closely monitor developments in Malaysia. This organization is promoting the establishment of an independent supervisory board to monitor the governance process as well as the election of FAM in the coming time, in order to ensure compliance with FIFA and AFC regulations.
Previously, AFC leaders had pledged to support FAM's reform in a peaceful direction, avoiding the scenario of being heavily penalized by FIFA. However, with a series of scandals not being thoroughly resolved, Malaysian football is still facing great pressure from FIFA, AFC and the Malaysian Government.
