Rumors spread that the President of the Malaysian Football Federation is at risk of losing his position due to the naturalization issue

Malaysian fans are discussing the future of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Datuk Joehari Ayub (term 2025-2029), who has been in office for less than 6 months and has pushed for naturalization.

From February 2025, Joehari succeeded Mr. Tan Sri Hamidin Amin, becoming the 8th President of FAM and quickly attracted attention with a massive naturalization campaign, bringing nearly 10 players of European and American origin to the Malaysian team. The result was a 4-0 victory over Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

However, the fact that Argentine defender Facundo Garces accidentally revealed that only his great-grandfather was Malaysian has raised public doubts about the legality of the naturalization process. According to FIFA regulations, only those whose father, mother, grandfather or grandmother is a Malaysian can be naturalized immediately.

Garces quickly posted a correction shortly after, calling it a "typo" and confirming that he and his wife were Malaysian.

According to the New Straits Times , rumors that Mr. Joehari is about to lose his seat are spreading, while many FAM officials remain silent, while Deputy President Datuk Yusof Mahadi, the interim candidate, has briefly revealed: "Wait until next week."

Sports expert Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said Joehari’s uncontested election had received widespread support. However, when former President Hamidin was appointed Honorary President, public opinion began to question the federation’s transparency.

This is similar to the scenario that forced Mr. Hamidin to leave his position earlier. He warned that if the chairmanship is just a formality, Malaysian football will pay the price.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ro-tin-chu-tich-ldbd-malaysia-co-nguy-co-mat-chuc-vi-chuyen-nhap-tich-196250822144650327.htm