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Malaysian football body approves statutes overhaul with AFC backing
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Sports

Malaysian football body approves statutes overhaul with AFC backing

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • All 18 affiliates of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) unanimously approved amendments to the FAM Statutes proposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
  • The changes, set to be implemented in September, will bring significant reforms to the national football administration structure, membership, and selection systems.
  • Key changes include the abolition of the Deputy President position and a reduction in Vice President seats to three, alongside broader inclusion of Super League clubs and other football bodies as affiliates.

All 18 affiliates of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have unanimously approved proposed amendments to the FAM Statutes, aligning the national football body with standards set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This decision marks a new chapter for Malaysian football administration, with significant changes to the organizational structure, membership, and selection systems slated for implementation in September.

I mentioned en bloc. After that, I mentioned comprehensive. Meaning, if the representatives want the statutes to be approved comprehensively without any debate.

— Datuk Seri Windsor Paul JohnAFC Secretary General explaining the process of statute approval during the press conference.

The Extraordinary Congress, chaired by AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, also saw the approval of the Electoral Code and FAM Organizational Regulations with full support from all attending affiliates. While some representatives initially raised questions regarding specific provisions, particularly concerning the three Vice President positions, detailed explanations from Windsor and AFC Deputy Secretary General Vahid Kardany addressed these concerns.

That is up to the representatives. The power is in the hands of the representatives, whether they want to approve the articles one by one or comprehensively.

— Datuk Seri Windsor Paul JohnAFC Secretary General clarifying the delegates' authority in approving statute changes.

According to AFC, the proposed changes, contained within 94 articles in the draft statutes, stem from a comprehensive audit of FAM's administration. Windsor stated the aim is to strengthen governance and ensure FAM operates in line with international best practices. He noted that the process of adopting new statutes might initially cause confusion, as FAM has not traditionally followed the practices common in FIFA and AFC.

If we do something new, there might be confusion because FAM does not usually practice this, which is commonly practiced in FIFA and AFC.

— Datuk Seri Windsor Paul JohnAFC Secretary General acknowledging potential initial confusion with new administrative practices.

Among the most notable changes is the abolition of the Deputy President position. The number of Vice President seats will be reduced from four to three. The new statutes also open the door for Super League clubs to become FAM affiliates with voting rights, provided they operate as separate entities from state football associations. Representatives from the Amateur Football League (AFL), the Women's National League, the Premier Futsal League, the Malaysian Professional Footballers' Association (PFAM), and the Referees Association will also become FAM affiliates, fostering a more inclusive system reflecting modern football ecosystems.

Meaning, if there are any statute changes, first ask the representatives whether they want or agree to approve the changes comprehensively.

— Datuk Seri Windsor Paul JohnAFC Secretary General explaining the protocol for seeking approval on statute amendments.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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