KUALA LUMPUR — Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend has pushed back against a FIFA report that described him as a consultant to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), saying excerpts of his testimony were taken out of context and stressing that his official title was recorded during the hearing.
Speaking to Scoop, the 44-year-old Canadian rejected the characterisation, saying the consultancy label by FIFA referred to his advisory role in the legal matter and his match‑day technical support, not to his overall position.
“I am the CEO. “My official designation in the hearing was CEO of Malaysian National Team,” Friend told Scoop, adding that selected portions of his remarks were highlighted without the fuller context.
It was reported that FIFA’s motivated decision said Friend serves as a consultant to FAM, is based in Canada and travels to Malaysia on match days, and that his responsibilities are limited to advising on technical and coaching matters without exercising executive authority over the team or its administration.
The report noted Friend told the body he had no involvement in documentation or naturalisation procedures for heritage players that began before his engagement, saying all such procedures were managed by FAM and that he only became involved from August 22, 2025 onwards.
FIFA recorded that he was not aware of any wrongdoing and that his role was confined to providing technical guidance and match‑day support as part of FAM’s “heritage search plan.”
“My explanation was about scope of involvement, not role or title,” he said
“To be clear, I’ve never denied being CEO.”
He described his mandate as leading football performance and long‑term sporting strategy for the national team, while administrative and procedural matters remain the responsibility of FAM.
“I’ve supported leadership by identifying, engaging, and coordinating with experienced legal professionals to ensure the matter is handled appropriately.”
The FIFA disclosure prompted surprise on social media among local football fans, many of whom had previously understood Friend to be acting as CEO with more direct executive control over the squad.
Friend said he hopes the clarification will allow the national team programme to refocus on on‑field preparation and long‑term development, and that any reference to consulting work should be seen in relation to the specific legal case rather than as a redefinition of his post.
For the record, Friend was appointed CEO of the Malaysia national team in January 2025.
He previously had a playing career in Europe and North America, including spells in Germany and Major League Soccer, and was involved in football development programmes in Canada, building a reputation in technical analysis and coaching advisory roles. – November 18, 2025.