BREAKING: Revealed timing for AFC takeover of Malaysian Football Association

The AFC has officially launched a full assessment and reform process for the Malaysian Football Association starting February 3rd, aiming to “purify” the management system and avoid FIFA penalties.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will officially start a thorough evaluation of the Malaysian Football Association’s management team from next Tuesday, marking the start of a deep restructuring phase for the country’s football system.

According to plans, AFC experts will conduct a comprehensive review of FAM’s governance, operations, and organizational structure to identify weaknesses and issues needing correction. This is seen as a crucial step in restructuring Malaysian football leadership after recent major upheavals.

AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John stated that the evaluation process was supposed to start earlier but was postponed due to holiday overlaps. “Initially, we planned to begin on February 1st, but that date coincided with a holiday, followed by another day off, so it wasn’t suitable. Therefore, the AFC evaluation team will officially start work on February 3rd,”Mr. Windsor shared.

According to AFC leadership, this evaluation will last at least three months. After completion, AFC will release a full report including mandatory reform recommendations. These proposals will be presented at the FAM Congress, and only when all members approve can FAM proceed with electing a new leadership board.

Previously, all members of the FAM Executive Committee resigned simultaneously, leaving the temporary management to the Secretary General and Treasurer. In this context, FAM proactively invited AFC to assist with evaluation and reform guidance, aiming to thoroughly address longstanding governance shortcomings.

Notably, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John also affirmed that FAM will not be suspended by FIFA, provided the internal reform process is conducted seriously and completely. However, he emphasized this is a mandatory condition: FAM must accept all governance improvement recommendations from AFC. Failure to comply could expose Malaysian football to harsher FIFA sanctions, including potential bans from international competitions.

The decisive move by AFC is viewed as an opportunity for Malaysian football to “start fresh,” aiming for more transparent, professional, and sustainable governance in the future.