KELANA JAYA – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed receiving an explanation letter from Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, with the bank opting to temporarily remove its name from any sponsorship association with the national football body until the ongoing heritage scandal is fully resolved.
The matter was confirmed by FAM Acting President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi after a Special Executive Committee (Exco) meeting at Wisma FAM today.
Yusoff said Bank Islam had decided to distance itself from FAM for the time being while awaiting the final outcome of investigations and appeals related to the association.
“Bank Islam has written to us seeking clarification on what happened and has informed us of its decision to step back and remove its name from sponsorship matters until the case is concluded,” he said.
However, Yusoff stressed that the bank has not terminated its relationship with FAM entirely and has agreed to wait for the final decision before reconsidering its sponsorship position.
“They have agreed to wait for the final decision of the case before making any further decisions on their sponsorship plans,” he said.
Yusoff added that FAM understands the bank’s position, noting that the association is still in the midst of completing several processes, including disciplinary proceedings and an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“This is still an ongoing process. We have to complete everything properly and transparently. Once the process is concluded, Bank Islam will reassess their involvement,” he said.
He reiterated that no final decision has been made by the bank at this stage and that discussions would continue after the case reaches its conclusion.
“Our focus now is to resolve the matter and ensure that governance issues are addressed. Only then can all parties, including sponsors, make informed decisions moving forward,” Yusoff added.
Scoop was the first to report that Bank Islam’s 12-year partnership with FAM was under review amid reputational concerns arising from the “heritage player” fallout, which has embroiled Malaysian football in controversy for alleged documentation issues and foreign-born player eligibility.
Sources previously told Scoop that Bank Islam was worried about negative associations linked to the ongoing scandal, especially after FIFA described the case as involving document-related irregularities that led to sanctions and sanctions appeal rejections.
Under its long-standing partnership with FAM, Bank Islam has supported joint marketing initiatives and the Team Harimau co-branded Debit-i Card programme, which had amassed over two million users and contributed funding to youth football development. – December 22, 2025