FAM struggles to find leadership amid threat of a 0-3 loss to Vietnam national team

The Football Association of Malaysia is still searching for a leader who can help FAM overcome its crisis. Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin is currently the figure most trusted by experts.

Former FIFA Executive Committee member Datuk Worawi Makudi has called on the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, to return and lead the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) amid the organization's severe crisis.

Malaysian football has been shaken since last September, when FIFA imposed sanctions on FAM along with seven players found guilty of disciplinary violations related to forged documents. These ongoing troubles have plunged the association into turmoil, culminating in the entire executive committee resigning after just 11 months in office, deepening the leadership crisis.

According to Worawi, who served on the AFC Executive Committee from 1997 to 2015, Al-Sultan Abdullah is one of the rare individuals with enough credibility and vision to restore FAM to stability.

“Our collaboration was once very positive. Together, we promoted the professionalization of Southeast Asian football,” Worawi shared. “Al-Sultan Abdullah is a visionary leader who dedicates himself fully to football. If anyone can revive Malaysian football now, it is him.”

Al-Sultan Abdullah previously held the position of FAM President from 2014 to 2017. Worawi also emphasized the close relationship between the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and FAM during his tenure as FAT President.

Not only Datuk Worawi, but many influential figures in regional football, including former Malaysian international Lim Teong Kim and former AFC Secretary General Alex Soosay, have also urged Al-Sultan Abdullah to take charge of FAM to end the current chaotic period.

Currently, the Football Association of Malaysia is awaiting the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding the case of seven naturalized players, considered the key factor that will determine the future direction of Malaysian football.