Reformation Of FAM: Modernising FAM’s Governance A Necessity, Not An Option

By Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- The crisis currently engulfing the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian football in general, reveals a larger truth - the urgent need to reform the governing body’s governance in line with modern and professional standards.

More importantly, this reform must serve as the primary foundation for the duties and focus of the newly elected FAM Executive Committee (Exco) members.

As global football evolves rapidly toward becoming more professional, transparent, and competitive, the need to overhaul FAM’s governance according to modern benchmarks is not only justified but can no longer be delayed.

An association today cannot function behind closed doors, rely too heavily on old hierarchies, or operate without clear benchmarks. Instead, it must be anchored by four key principles of modern governance: transparency, accountability, professionalism, and integrity.

Without these four principles, any development plan will be fragile and unsustainable. Thus, the task of the new Exco is not merely to chant slogans of change but to ensure these principles are implemented consistently.

A primary focus for the new Exco will be ensuring FAM becomes more open in its financial management, strategic planning, and decision-making processes.

The rationale behind every major decision must be explained clearly and consistently so that supporters, clubs, state associations, and sponsors feel involved rather than sidelined.

In modern football, fans are not just spectators; they are part of an ecosystem that contributes to the industry’s survival while accountability and checks and balances must also be at the top of the incoming Exco's priority list.

This means strengthening independent committees - such as audit, governance, and integrity - appointing qualified professionals to monitor and evaluate leadership performance, and ensuring all major decisions pass through robust oversight channels.

At the same time, the new FAM Exco must prioritise integrity and take responsibility for ensuring firm action is taken against any conflicts of interest or misconduct that damage the sport's credibility.

Decisions in football must be made based on the interests of the sport and national development, not to fulfill personal agendas or specific groups.

Additionally, the new Exco needs to uphold an inclusive approach to policy-making by involving clubs, state associations, players, coaches, and fans to ensure FAM remains connected to the realities on the pitch and at the grassroots level.

Ultimately, the new leadership must lead efforts to draft and implement a solid, consistent long-term strategic plan that does not depend on whoever happens to be in power at a given time.

A development roadmap for the next 10 to 15 years - backed by clear benchmarks and focused on grassroots development, the professional league, and the national team - must serve as the guide.

Today’s crisis should be viewed as an opportunity for comprehensive reform, not just a cosmetic restructuring.

If the new FAM Exco intends to restore public confidence and rehabilitate the dignity of national football - tarnished by the document forgery issue involving seven heritage players - change must begin with a restructuring of the organisation’s systems, processes, and work culture.

In the world of modern football, good governance is no longer an option; it is a prerequisite for success. Last Wednesday, all FAM Exco members for the 2025–2029 term collectively and voluntarily resigned with immediate effect as a principled and prudent step following the current situation, aiming to protect FAM's integrity and prioritise organisational responsibility over personal interests.

Following this, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will assist FAM in conducting an internal assessment based on international modern football association benchmarks before the report is presented to stakeholders, particularly the FAM Congress.

The fate of FAM and the seven national heritage players regarding FIFA’s penalties for violating Article 22 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code will be determined after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) delivers its decision at the end of February.

--BERNAMA