KUALA LUMPUR — A long-awaited forensic review into the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is expected to be released soon, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) now in the final stages of completing the report.
Speaking to Scoop, AFC secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John said the governing body was close to finalising the findings before handing them over to FAM, paving the way for an extraordinary congress to be convened in the near future.
He said the process was crucial as several matters concerning the structure and administration of Malaysian football’s governing body needed to be resolved ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in June.
“We are close to completing it and will submit it to FAM soon so that they can hold the extraordinary congress. The congress must take place before the World Cup begins in June,” he said.
When asked whether the forensic review contained extensive recommendations for reforms within FAM, Windsor declined to elaborate further and urged patience until an official announcement is made.
“Just wait for the announcement,” he said.
He added that FAM’s elective congress is expected to take place after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, likely sometime in August or September next year.
AFC previously launched the forensic review following governance concerns linked to the controversy surrounding the alleged falsification of documents involving seven naturalised players, which resulted in suspensions imposed by FIFA.
The issue dealt a significant blow to the image of Malaysian football, raising questions over the effectiveness of monitoring systems and governance procedures in handling player documentation.
The controversy ultimately prompted AFC intervention to reassess FAM’s administrative framework and regulatory mechanisms.
Attention is now focused on the outcome of the report, which is expected to shape the future direction of Malaysian football, including the possibility of a broader restructuring of FAM’s administration in an effort to restore confidence in the national governing body. – May 7, 2026