KUALA LUMPUR — The executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is reportedly preparing a collective resignation as early as next week, sources told Scoop, in a move described by insiders as a strategic effort to avert international intervention.
According to sources familiar with FAM’s internal discussions, the resignations are intended to pre-empt the appointment of a FIFA-led normalisation committee, which would otherwise take over the administration of Malaysian football.
By stepping down voluntarily, FAM hopes to demonstrate accountability to both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), while retaining influence over the transition through a temporary committee and the convening of an extraordinary congress to elect new leadership.
“This is essentially damage control,” one source said.
“If FIFA intervenes directly, FAM loses all control. By resigning together, they’re trying to show that they can reform themselves on their own terms.”
The decision was reportedly discussed during a closed-door meeting held about two weeks ago with 13 executive committee members, where the risks of suspension and international isolation were clearly outlined.
Although some members initially resisted, citing fairness concerns for newer appointees, the group ultimately agreed to what one source described as a “mass sacrifice” to protect both the domestic league and the national team.
“Some felt it was unfair because they weren’t responsible for past mistakes,” another insider said.
“But the consensus shifted toward doing this to safeguard Malaysian football.”
A formal announcement of the leadership transition is expected at a press conference on January 28. Sources noted that the AFC had privately indicated it would view voluntary resignations more favourably than a forced suspension, which could see FIFA temporarily take control of FAM operations.
However, Scoop has also learned that not everyone is convinced the resignations will be permanent.
A separate source told Scoop that the planned mass resignation may be little more than a public relations exercise, designed to project accountability at a critical juncture — particularly with an appeal currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“This is all theatre,” the source claimed.
“It’s meant to show that they are accountable, but the reality is they have never truly been accountable and likely never will be.”
The source added that there is an expectation within certain quarters that the executive committee could make a swift U-turn should CAS rule in FAM’s favour.
“Let’s see what happens if CAS clears them,” the source said.
“If the sanctions are overturned, don’t be surprised if some of them suddenly reappear. This is about optics, not reform.”
Scrutiny of FAM intensified last year after FIFA imposed disciplinary measures for breaches of Article 22, relating to falsified documents for seven naturalised players — Gabriel Palmero, Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal, and Héctor Hevel.
In November, FIFA dismissed appeals from both FAM and the players. The association was fined 350,000 Swiss Francs (approximately RM1.8 million), while each player received 2,000 Swiss Francs (RM10,600) and a 12-month ban from all football-related activities.
FAM was also ordered to pay an additional 10,000 Swiss Francs (around RM51,400). Malaysia’s results in three international friendlies were annulled, with 3-0 victories awarded to Cape Verde, Singapore, and Palestine.
Complications continue for Harimau Malaya, as the AFC is expected to deduct points from Malaysia’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign, pending the outcome of FAM’s CAS appeal. Matches under review include Malaysia’s 2-0 win over Nepal on March 25 and the 4-0 victory against Vietnam on June 10, both now central to the ongoing disciplinary fallout. — January 21, 2026