PETALING JAYA: Do not hit the panic button yet.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul said there was hope for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) although the state of the association is at an alarming stage.
Speaking after revealing deep rooted problems in FAM during a landmark quality audit at the Hilton Hotel here on Wednesday, Windsor urged stakeholders to allow reforms to take root, rather than demand instant results.
The audit gave 1.2 points out of five for FAM, highlighting severe neglects in 11 operational areas of the national body.
“Look at it this way - even with the score, FAM still qualified for the Asian Cup four years ago,” said Windsor.
“Imagine what FAM could do with a score of five. You have to look at it positively.
“Do not shoot the patient. The patient is sick, they know they are sick, and they have asked for help. Now give the medicine time to work.”
The quality audit was commissioned to AFC by FAM.
“FAM requested this audit in an official letter. And it was FAM who asked for the results to be presented here today to the delegates, not just internally,” said Windsor.
“That alone is already a significant change. FAM have never been this open before.”
Windsor’s deputy and the man who led the audit, Vahid Kardany said the audit had placed FAM at a “pre-intermediate level” of organisational maturity.
“When you look back at the 1974 Asian Games in Teheran, Malaysia finished third in the medal tally,” Kardany said.
“Today, the country does not even qualify for the Asian Cup. But this is a different FAM - different membership, different stakeholders, far more inclusive.”
Kardany said the most urgent reform was cultural: empowering staff to speak up without fear of reprisal.
“The crisis happened because people did not speak up. They were afraid that if they raised concerns, there would be consequences.”
Windsor confirmed AFC and FIFA have committed to a two-year follow-up programme, with progress reviews every three months.
“This is serious business. We have put our heads and our bodies into this.”
So what guarantees Malaysians could expect over the next four to six years following the audit?
Said Windsor: “We’ve played our role at AFC level. But the delegates, the administration, the new executive committee, the new president - everyone has a role, with one shared goal. They have to do their part.”
He called on supporters to give the incoming FAM leadership, to be elected in September, space to begin their work.
“Give the new team some room to start. We will be there to support, guide, and hold accountable whoever is elected.”
On the question of a confidential financial report referenced during the briefing, Windsor said they would release it following proper process.
“This is the new FAM, very transparent. Everything will be uploaded to the website once the process is followed,” said Windsor.
He ended on a note of cautious optimism - and a gentle jab.
“The potential here is enormous. Malaysia have government support, passionate fans, sponsorship, and strong media coverage. That glory of 1974 must return.”
Then, with a smile, he concluded: “Only the Harimau Malaya are a little slow. Thank you all.”
