The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has fined the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for violating regulations concerning the organization of international matches, adding to a growing list of administrative missteps for the national governing body.
According to an AFC announcement, the FAM was fined US$1,250 for failing to comply with regulations on international matches and tournaments. The violation stems from improper procedures in obtaining permits for two international fixtures, including a friendly match between the Timor Leste national team and Malaysian club Negeri Sembilan FC, originally scheduled for Nov. 9, 2025.
The headquarters of the Football Association of Malaysia. Photo by FAM |
The AFC concluded that while the FAM did submit a permit application, the paperwork failed to fully comply with current regulations. This marks the fourth time the FAM has committed the exact same offense during its disciplinary review period, forcing the continental governing body to escalate its response and impose financial sanctions, Named reported.
The FAM has 30 days from the receipt of the official notification to pay the fine. This move signals the AFC’s broader initiative to tighten administrative oversight and strictly enforce licensing procedures for all international fixtures, including friendlies.
Over the past year, the FAM has been repeatedly penalized by the AFC for various match organization violations. These compounding administrative errors are believed to have significantly damaged the association’s reputation within the AFC.
The latest administrative fine comes at a highly turbulent time for Malaysian football, as the FAM braces for far more severe sanctions.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is currently preparing to issue its final ruling regarding the eligibility of seven naturalized players. If FAM’s CAS appeal is unsuccessful, it is highly likely the Malaysian national team will be handed 0-3 forfeit defeats in their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying matches against Nepal and Vietnam for victories last June.
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