Malaysia’s football governing body – the Football Association of Malaysia – will have a leadership reset.
On 28 January, the FAM confirmed that all members of its executive committee (Exco) have resigned with immediate effect.
Speaking after a special meeting at 10am on 28 January, the fifth such meeting in recent weeks, the acting leader Yusoff Mahadi said the decision was made collectively and unanimously as a matter of principle.
According to Yusoff, FAM took joint responsibility for protecting the association’s integrity and reputation while reducing the risk of further fallout for Malaysian football, reported Malaysian media.
He added that public trust and support were key considerations behind the move.
The mass resignation is expected to allow investigations and internal processes to continue without interference, while clearing the way for new measures to be implemented smoothly.
“This decision shows that football is more important than any position,” Yusoff said, underlining the association’s commitment to accountability and reform.
Meanwhile the Asian Football Confederation, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, added that it was conducting a review of the organisation.
FAM has been facing allegations of fake documentation for its naturalised players by world football’s governing body FIFA.
In September, FIFA suspended seven of its naturalised footballers for 12 months and fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs.
The Court of Arbitration of Sport has since allowed a temporary stay on the player bans pending an appeal by the FAM.
PHOTO: CNA