AFC monitors FAM spending

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will closely monitor the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) expenditures to ensure funds are used effectively. The AFC's Secretary General, Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, confirmed this after the confederation observed that FAM utilized only 30% of its allocated funds for development programs. He stressed the need for balance, noting that the AFC itself allocates only 12% of its funds to salaries and administration, with the remainder dedicated to development. An earlier audit revealed that FAM used 30% of its funds for development, while the rest was spent on the national team and administrative costs, including staff salaries. The AFC annually provides up to $500,000 (approximately RM2.2 million) to FAM through its Enhance Member Association program, with FIFA also contributing funds. Windsor emphasized transparency, stating that these allocations are public knowledge and that FAM is expected to make changes. FAM recently issued a statement denying claims of failing to present financial audit reports since 2016. Windsor also indicated a shift in focus towards empowering department heads within FAM to enhance professionalism, moving daily tasks from committee chairmen to staff, including directors. He asserted that professional staff must be given the autonomy to perform their duties, with the possibility of replacement if performance is unsatisfactory.

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There must be balance, like in the AFC, we only use 12 percent for salaries and so on, the rest is all for development programs. There must be balance.