SHAH ALAM - The local football community was rattled by a strongly-worded letter yesterday containing various allegations involving the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The letter raised serious concerns about the football governing body's leadership and management.
The accusations, which include FAM’s alleged lack of transparency in the tender process for the National Training Centre project, were profoundly serious and could tarnish FAM’s reputation, potentially impeding the progress of Malaysian football.
The letter, purportedly emailed by an individual identifying themselves as UltrasFAM, was not only circulated among the public but also forwarded to several media outlets.
Interestingly, this dissemination occurred on the eve of the 60th Annual Congress of FAM, scheduled for today in Petaling Jaya.
The letter raised four main concerns: the purported abuse of authority by the FAM General Secretary, salary disputes involving FAM employees, matters concerning the national team, and the status of the training centre project.
Notably, the sender also called upon the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the tender processes within FAM, urging scrutiny into the individuals involved.
The letter disclosed unsettling details regarding the dismissal of a FAM staff member on theft charges, despite insufficient evidence, raising concerns about the protection of those falsely accused.
"Up to now, within a period of three months, nearly 12 FAM employees have resigned, with the most significant being five staff members from the FAM President's office.
"These five staff members have long served with FAM.
"In December, a staff member who had served with the FAM President for almost 30 years was fired over an issue that did not directly involve him.
"He was accused of stealing items from the FAM store and selling them online. Despite insufficient evidence, he was fired," the letter alleged.
The letter then shed light on the resignation of former assistant manager following the conclusion of the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, addressing lingering inquiries about the national squad's post-tournament status.
Highlighting internal turmoil, the letter depicted a troubled atmosphere during the National Team Camp, with reports of various issues surfacing.
Concerns were raised about the future qualification of Malaysia for the 2027 Asian Cup, attributing potential setbacks to the internal strife within FAM.
"Just imagine, during training, we don't have enough kitman, and to make matters worse, the old kitman were not even paid their wages," the letter read.
The letter also purported that posters and banners may soon emerge, calling for head coach Kim-pan Gon's resignation should the team fail to qualify for the Asian Cup.
The letter then disclosed allegations regarding the Ultras Malaya supporters' group, suggesting their involvement in business dealings with FAM officials rather than discussions concerning the national team.
In response to these allegations, FAM vice-president Datuk Seri Rosmadi Ismail vehemently defended the organisation's leadership and management.
Rosmadi refuted the accusations, asserting that decisions within FAM are made collectively through the executive committee.
"For me, these accusations are untrue because every decision, whether big or small, is made in the executive committee meetings by consensus among us before it is implemented.
"As for tenders, I do not think the accusation is correct because we conduct open tenders, invite all parties, and evaluate them, including the company’s capabilities.
"Every decision and proposal from the management or appointed consultants must receive the approval of the executive committee,” he said.
Rosmadi also confirmed that no decision was made unilaterally at FAM, and he is satisfied with the system and workings of the governing body.
He did not rule out the possibility that the allegations were deliberately raised due to dissatisfaction, resentment, and envy.
"I believe all committee members, including myself, have full confidence in the system implemented and stand behind the president (Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin) and all the committees mentioned in the allegations made,” Rosmadi said.