Politics · Malaysia Bureau
FAM leadership pledges to prevent future citizenship issues in football
The Football Association of Malaysia's new president has apologised for a citizenship scandal involving players, vowing stricter protocols to prevent similar incidents during his tenure.
LSN Malaysia ·

Ab Ghani Hassan, who assumed the presidency of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for the 2025-2029 term, has issued an apology regarding administrative lapses that led to citizenship complications affecting national team players.
The new FAM leadership acknowledged the gravity of the situation and expressed regret over the controversy, which raised questions about the federation's vetting procedures for player registration and international representation.
Hassan indicated that comprehensive measures would be implemented to strengthen governance and prevent recurrence of such issues. These steps are expected to include more rigorous verification protocols and enhanced oversight mechanisms across player management systems.
The FAM chief emphasised his commitment to maintaining the integrity of Malaysian football and ensuring that all future selections and registrations comply fully with international and domestic regulatory standards. The pledge comes amid heightened scrutiny of administrative practices within the federation and renewed calls for transparency in player eligibility determinations.