PETALING JAYA: The Youth and Sports Ministry has pledged to fully cooperate with the special investigation committee that is looking into the FAM appeal against FIFA sanctions, emphasising the need to balance domestic accountability with the world football body's regulations.
In a statement on Tuesday (Nov 4), Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the ministry would work closely with the committee to ensure a transparent investigation into issues involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
She said the findings of the committee would form the basis for corrective measures and governance improvements that FAM must undertake.
"The ministry, through the Sports Commissioner, will cooperate closely with the independent special investigation committee chaired by Tun Md Raus Sharif.
"The result of this investigation will guide the necessary reforms and improvements for FAM," said Yeoh.
However, she cautioned that the government must tread carefully as any form of intervention could place FAM at of risk of suspension by FIFA – a move that would have far-reaching consequences for Malaysian football.
This, she said, would not only affect the national team but also impact youth and age-group squads, as well as bodies such as the Malaysian Football League (MFL), Amateur Football League (AFL) and local clubs competing in domestic competitions.
"Any suspension would disrupt the entire football ecosystem in Malaysia," she said.
Citing examples globally, Yeoh noted that several nations such as Indonesia (2015), Zimbabwe (2022), Chad (2021), Benin (2015) and Brunei (2009), had been suspended by FIFA due to government interference in their football associations.
She said these cases illustrate FIFA's strict enforcement of Statute 15(c), which mandates that national football associations must remain free from political or governmental influence.
"This principle is the foundation of FIFA membership for all countries," she added.
Yeoh said that the ministry would continue to balance compliance with FIFA's statutes and the need for accountability at home, ensuring that FAM strengthen their governance and rebuild public trust in Malaysian football.
"The ministry remains committed to ensuring FAM uphold integrity, good governance and the credibility of Malaysian football," she said.
