OFFICIAL: Malaysia decides to avoid FIFA sanctions

The Malaysian government stated it will refrain from intervening in the Football Association's operations to avoid the risk of FIFA sanctions affecting the nation's football scene.

According to the New Straits Times report on the evening of February 5, The Malaysian government affirmed it will not intervene, either directly or indirectly, in the administration of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM). This stance arises from the threat of FIFA penalties if there is evidence of government involvement in the management of national football, especially as FAM faces pressure to reform its governance.

Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari, emphasized that FAM must bear the highest responsibility for football governance, including organizing domestic competitions and complying with FIFA and AFC regulations. He stressed that fundamental principles such as independence, integrity, transparency, and accountability are mandatory to avoid international sanctions.

“The Ministry of Youth and Sports will not meddle in FAM’s management because any government interference could increase the risk of sanctions and lead to serious consequences for Malaysian football,” Minister Taufiq stated clearly. This position is seen by Malaysia as a non-negotiable boundary to preserve the country’s football reputation internationally and to avoid heavier penalties from FIFA.

According to Minister Taufiq, the “non-intervention” policy aligns with Article 5 of the Olympic Charter on the autonomy of sports organizations and Article 15(c) of FIFA’s statutes, which require member associations to be free from government interference. “This is a limit we cannot and must not cross,” the Malaysian Minister emphasized.

Although the Ministry of Youth and Sports does not interfere with FAM’s operations, it still aims to raise governance standards through the Sports Commissioner’s Office, management training, integrity advocacy, stakeholder engagement days, women in sports programs, and public dialogues. This approach seeks to improve governance capacity without compromising autonomy.

From a legal and professional perspective, the CAS hearing is scheduled for February 26, with the verdict expected in March, close to Malaysia’s match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The worst-case scenario is a disrupted squad, which would directly affect technical plans and team stability.

Governance experts warn that superficial reforms will not convince FIFA. The AFC is believed to be able to send a special task force to oversee and demand substantial changes in the structure and election processes. Without genuine reform, the threat of harsher sanctions remains, adding pressure on FAM during this sensitive period.