PETALING JAYA – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has been fined CHF5,000 (RM25,000) by FIFA for failing to resolve arrears owed by the Perlis Football Association (PFA) to its former technical director, Matt Holland.
In addition, FIFA warned that up to 20% of FAM’s funding through its FIFA Forward programme could be withheld until the arrears are fully paid.
FAM reportedly receives RM30 to 40 million annually under this programme, which supports football development through investment, impact, and oversight.
To prevent further sanctions, FAM has suspended PFA’s affiliation until it complies with FIFA’s directives.
The decision was announced by FAM Internal Disputes Committee chairman Saaran Nadarajah during a press conference after the 13th FAM Executive Committee meeting today.
“For the case involving Perlis, the FAM committee has agreed to suspend PFA’s affiliation with FAM until the association makes full payment as directed by FIFA,” Saaran said.
“This decision was made due to the failure of the Perlis FA to comply with the directive issued by FIFA on December 4, 2019 to pay the outstanding salary and contract compensation owed to Holland.”
The arrears, totalling nearly RM998,000, stem from unpaid salary and contract compensation owed to Holland.
FIFA’s latest directive, issued on November 11 requires PFA to pay the amount, along with 5% interest and an additional fine of CHF15,000 (RM75,000).
The suspension was enacted under Article 17 of the FAM Statutes, which authorises the Executive Committee to suspend a member for breaching obligations. — December 4, 2024