AFC proposes reducing FAM executive committee members from 17 to 11

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has recommended a significant reduction in the size of the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) executive committee, proposing to decrease the number of members from 17 to 11. This suggestion is part of a draft amendment to FAM's statutes, slated for presentation at the FAM Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on June 4.

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We propose three executive committee seats for state football associations, two seats for clubs, one seat for women's football, and one seat representing a group of experts such as coaches, referees, and players.

Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, Secretary General of the AFC, stated that this move is intended to enhance the governance of Malaysian football. "We propose three executive committee seats for state football associations, two seats for clubs, one seat for women's football, and one seat representing a group of experts such as coaches, referees, and players," he explained. He believes a smaller, more efficient committee will expedite decision-making and boost administrative effectiveness within FAM.

Beyond reducing the committee size, the AFC's draft also emphasizes broader inclusivity for all football stakeholders in Malaysia. This includes clubs, coaches, referees, and players, ensuring they have a voice in the decision-making processes at the Congress level. "They have the same rights as other affiliates to vote, propose agendas, nominate candidates, and participate in elections," Windsor noted. The AFC aims for a more inclusive system rather than an exclusive one, encouraging wider participation in football development.

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They have the same rights as other affiliates to vote, propose agendas, nominate candidates, and participate in elections.

Furthermore, the AFC has proposed more lenient nomination requirements for key positions within FAM to encourage more candidates to contest. For the presidency, only four nominations are needed, down from six, while three nominations are required for vice-president and two for executive committee seats. Windsor explained that these changes are necessary to accommodate a growing number of affiliates, ensuring that qualified individuals have opportunities to run for office. Candidates must also meet stringent integrity requirements, including background checks by Malaysian anti-corruption and police agencies.

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The principle is simple: as the number of members increases, the nomination requirements must be simplified so that more potential candidates come forward.