KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Selangor FC, along with every other Malaysian club, could face severe consequences on the continental stage if the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upholds sanctions imposed on the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Speaking to Scoop, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John explained that any suspension of FAM by FIFA would restrict Malaysian football to domestic competitions only, with no involvement in international matches or tournaments.
“If FAM is suspended, football activities will be confined to Malaysia. Clubs cannot participate in any AFC competitions, including the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE) and AFC Champions League Two (ACL2).
“Their slots in these tournaments would be revoked. Even friendly matches involving national teams from youth to senior level would not be allowed. Referees and officials would also be barred from officiating abroad,” Windsor said when contacted.
For the record, JDT and Selangor currently compete regularly in the ACLE and ACL2, respectively.
Windsor noted that similar situations have previously occurred in countries such as Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Kuwait and Brunei.
He also said FIFA and the AFC have the authority to intervene and temporarily take over FAM’s administration to restore proper governance.
“FIFA can appoint a committee of five people, acting as an executive body. They would work full-time, be paid by FIFA, and carry out tasks assigned by FIFA and the AFC. Their service period could be three, six or nine months — or longer — depending on the work needed to stabilise the association,” he explained.
Despite the looming threat, FAM has chosen to appeal to CAS.
“We respect FAM’s decision to bring this case to CAS. Any penalties imposed by the AFC will only be finalised after CAS delivers its ruling, which is expected in March,” Windsor added.
The issue dates back to last November, when FIFA’s Appeals Committee rejected FAM’s appeal concerning seven heritage players, leaving disciplinary actions in place.
FAM has since confirmed that it has formally submitted its appeal to CAS regarding both the sanctions against the association and the eligibility of the seven Harimau Malaya heritage players. — January 8, 2026