External pressure is insufficient to shake the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

Despite the backlash after the naturalized player scandal, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) maintains a resolute position, with no indication of alteration or mass resignation.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) continues to stand strong amid calls for the senior leadership to resign following the scandal involving forged documents of seven naturalized players.

According to Malaysian football expert Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli, external demands are "unlikely to unsettle" the FAM leadership. He believes that if any changes occur, it would be the lower-tier association members and non-key executive committee (EXCO) members who might exert real internal pressure.

“Certainly, some EXCO members will resist calls to resign. Many were recently appointed and believe they are not involved in this affair, so asking them to step down would be unfair,” said Pekan.

He also noted that most EXCO members serve symbolic roles within FAM and are not directly involved in management or decision-making. “They could not have anticipated that the issue would escalate to this extent,” he added.

However, Pekan emphasized that if a positive change is truly desired for Malaysian football, the EXCO members and local associations must unite, show responsibility, and be willing to speak out. “If they genuinely care about the country's football, they must be the ones to initiate change.”

Previously, another football expert, Zakaria Rahim, called for the FAM leadership to resign collectively to pave the way for a comprehensive overhaul. He argued that the current board needs to set aside egos and take responsibility if they truly prioritize the interests of Malaysian football.

Nevertheless, observers believe the likelihood of FAM voluntarily changing its top officials remains very low, as the current pressure is insufficient to destabilize the leadership.