Stern action: Malaysian referee Nazmi Nasaruddin presents a yellow card to Uzbekistan’s defender Abdukodir Khusanov (left) during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup match against Thailand in Doha last year. — AFP
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have encouraged clubs to hire foreign referees if they are unhappy with local officiating – but at their own expense.
FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram supported Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s suggestion, stating that teams dissatisfied with referring decisions can apply for foreign referees.
“But the costs for the referees’ allowances, accommodation, meals, and other expenses must be borne by the team. FAM or MFL (Malaysian Football League) will not cover the costs of hiring foreign referees,” said Sivasundram.
“The cost of hiring foreign referees is high and must be paid in US dollars,” he said.
Sivasundaram, who also chairs of FAM’s Referees Committee, said Tunku Ismail’s proposal for an independent refereeing body would be carefully reviewed. “FAM value all feedback from Tunku Ismail and will assess the suggestion with an open mind,” he said.
Despite ongoing debates over referring quality, Sivasundaram defended local officials, highlighting their strong understanding of the laws of the game, high fitness levels, and the implementation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
“The locals have demonstrated excellent performance throughout the 2024-2025 season,” he said.
“Out of 161 matches this season, FAM have received only four written complaints.
“Our FIFA-certified referees have officiated at top competitions, including the Asian Cup and AFC Elite Champions League.
“In fact, Nazmi Nasaruddin is even a candidate for the 2026 World Cup selection. Nazmi and and his two assistants, Zairul Khalil Tan and Mua’zi Zainai Abidin, have also officiated at the Asian Cup and the AFC Elite Champions League.
He also emphasized FAM’s commitment to developing young referees through the Professional Referees Academy Project.
Earlier, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tunku Ismail reiterated the need for an independent refereeing body and called for the immediate implementation of Financial Fair Play (FFP) to ensure clubs’ financial stability.
He stated that for 11 years, excuses and conspiracy theories had persisted and it was time for a change in team management’s approach.
