Mass Resignations Shake Malaysian Football
KUALA LUMPUR — In a dramatic escalation of a scandal that has rocked Malaysian football, the entire executive committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) resigned on January 28, 2026, amid intense scrutiny over the use of foreign-born players in national team matches and allegations of forged eligibility documents. The collective departure, encompassing all members elected for the 2025–2029 term, was described by acting FAM president Mohd Yusoff Mahadi as a measure to safeguard the reputation and institutional interests of Malaysian football and allow for independent assessment and reform.
The stunning exit follows months of controversy that has embroiled FAM in criticism from fans, politicians, and international governing bodies, and deepened calls for accountability and governance reform within the sport.
The Eligibility Row: How It Unfolded
The current crisis stems from a FIFA investigation into eligibility breaches associated with seven foreign-born players who were fielded by Malaysia in 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches, including a 4–0 victory over Vietnam in June 2025. FIFA found that FAM had submitted documents claiming the players had Malaysian ancestry — typically through grandparents — that were falsified or forged to meet eligibility rules.
In September 2025, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the seven naturalised players for 12 months, fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (around US$400,000) and overturned results of matches in which the players featured, declaring them forfeits.
The players — including Facundo Garcés, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, João Figueiredo, Gabriel Palmero, Jon Irazabal and Héctor Hevel — hail from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the Netherlands and Spain, and had previously been cleared to play after temporary suspensions were halted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) while appeals were pending.
Resignations as Damage Control
FAM’s mass resignation was announced after a unanimous decision by the executive committee, which acted voluntarily to head off further damage to the association’s credibility. According to Yusoff Mahadi, the step was taken so that FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) could conduct independent reviews of governance, administration and procedures without perceptions of interference or conflict of interest.
The moves are seen as an effort to restore confidence among supporters, sponsors, stakeholders and international football bodies — a confidence that has eroded amid allegations of lax oversight and accusatory headlines. Acting FAM president Mahadi also indicated that the organisation would work with the governing bodies on any necessary structural reforms.
Broader Scrutiny and Governance Questions
The scandal has drawn widespread public scrutiny not only on FAM but also on how naturalisation cases are handled in Malaysian sport and civil administration. Critics have accused the association of failing to exercise due diligence and transparency, while some lawmakers and fans have called for criminal investigations and tighter controls over citizenship processes for athletes.
Last year, the controversy had already led to the suspension of FAM’s secretary-general, Noor Azman Rahman, and initiated internal probes into procedural lapses. Even before the mass resignations, the federation’s handling of eligibility documentation had sparked political ire and debates about oversight by government agencies involved in citizenship approval.
Impact on Malaysian Football and Fans
The scandal and subsequent resignations have profoundly affected the Malaysian football community. Long-standing supporters of the national team — known as Harimau Malaya — have expressed frustration that footballing success has been overshadowed by administrative misconduct. Enthusiasm for the national side’s historic wins has been tempered by the political fallout and uncertainty surrounding future team compositions.
The controversy also threatens to undermine confidence among younger players and grassroots stakeholders, many of whom are watching governance figures fail amid allegations of mismanagement. Sponsors and partners have been closely watching developments, concerned about reputational risks and the broader implications for investment in Malaysian football.
International Ramifications and FIFA’s Review
FIFA and the AFC have indicated that they will use the resignation of FAM’s leadership as a chance to conduct deeper reviews of the Malaysian association’s governance structures, with aims to align practices with modern international standards. Temporary administrative control is expected to be overseen by AFC’s general secretary and support staff while the review is underway.
Observers say the situation serves as a reminder of the stringent eligibility rules enforced by global football authorities and the consequences for national associations that fail to adhere to them. FIFA’s disciplinary and investigative actions in this case included notifying authorities in multiple countries of possible criminal offences related to document falsification.
Next Steps: Leadership, Reform and Legal Appeals
With the executive committee gone, FAM is expected to organise an Electoral Congress to select a new leadership team. In the interim, Secretary-General Noor Azman Rahman has been tasked with overseeing daily operations. The association has emphasised that its cooperation with FIFA, AFC and CAS will continue as the legal appeal process and governance reviews proceed.
Political figures, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, have commented on the necessity for transparency and accountability in the sport, even as he reaffirmed the nation’s right to contest FIFA’s decisions and advocate for fair treatment of its players and association.
A Turning Point for Malaysian Football
The resignation of top officials in Malaysian football marks a stark turning point for the game in the country. From administrative scandals and fines to leadership overhaul and international scrutiny, the episode underscores the fragile balance between ambition on the pitch and ethical governance off it.
As Malaysia prepares to rebuild its football administration and mend relations with supporters and global bodies, the legacy of the scandal will shape discussions on sports integrity, national pride and institutional responsibility for years to come.
