Malaysian Expert: 'People inside FAM are aware of the illegal naturalization case, but...'

A Malaysian football expert disclosed that numerous members inside FAM know about the illegal naturalization case, yet the outside pressure is insufficient to compel the entire federation leadership to step down collectively.

In the face of criticism surrounding the player naturalization scandal, a Malaysian football expert believes that many individuals within the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are aware of the issue, but external pressure is unlikely to make the top leadership resign altogether.

According to sports analyst Pekan Ramli, calling for the entire FAM executive committee to resign is unrealistic and unfair, especially for members who do not hold key positions or are not directly involved in the allegations of falsifying documents for seven naturalized players.

Pekan Ramli emphasized that the responsibility to push for change should come from the non-key executive committee members and affiliated FAM members, rather than relying solely on public pressure. He noted that some recently appointed members disagree with being forced to resign over wrongdoing they did not directly cause.

“Certainly, some inside are questioning why they should leave when it’s not their fault. However, their voices seem to be ‘silenced,’” Pekan stated, adding that any resignation, if it happens, should stem from voluntary spirit, a sense of responsibility, and genuine remorse.

Nevertheless, the expert also admitted that the likelihood of the FAM leadership resigning en masse is very low, unless powerless committee members and affiliated members have the courage to pressure from within: “The question is whether they have enough courage,” Pekan posed.

Previously, football observer Zakaria Rahim publicly called for the entire FAM leadership to resign collectively to take responsibility for the scandal, which has resulted in sanctions against the federation and involved players. Zakaria argued that for the future of Malaysian football, executive members must set aside personal pride and accept stepping down.

Divergent opinions from experts indicate that the crisis within FAM is not only about professional misconduct, but also clearly reflects the power struggles and accountability issues within Malaysia’s football administration.