Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards in referee development and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations, based on benchmarks set by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
These programs play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of referees in the Malaysian League, and ensuring that VAR usage adheres to globally recognized protocols.
A standout example of referee development in Malaysia is Muhammad Nazmi Nasaruddin, who officiated the 2024 FA Cup final between Johor Darul Ta’zim and Selangor FC at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on 24 August 2024. His exceptional handling of the match earned widespread praise, further boosting his reputation as one of Malaysia’s top referees. Nazmi’s international experience is also impressive, having officiated crucial fixtures like the 2026 World Cup Qualifying Round 3 matches between North Korea and Qatar on 10 September in Vientiane, Laos, and an upcoming match between Australia and China on 10 October in Adelaide.
Nazmi’s recent appointment by the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to referee the high-profile BRI Liga 1 clash between Persib Bandung and Persija Jakarta at the Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on 23 September was another milestone. His firm and fair approach earned him glowing reviews from Indonesian media, showcasing the growing respect for Malaysian referees on the international stage.
Alongside Nazmi, other Malaysian referees are gaining prominence. The AFC has entrusted Razlan Joffri Ali and Tuan Mohd Yassin Tuan Mohd Hanafiah with officiating duties in both the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) and the Shopee Cup (ASEAN Club Championship), further underscoring the development of Malaysia’s refereeing talent.
In domestic competitions, VAR technology has been a vital tool in ensuring fairness and accuracy. As of the 2024-2025 season, VAR has been used in 80 matches across competitions such as the Super League, Malaysia Cup, FA Cup, and Challenge Cup. The operational efficiency of VAR in Malaysia is commendable, with an average of 0.57 On-field Reviews (OFRs) per match and only 2.27 minutes per VAR review, according to AFC guidelines. These statistics demonstrate that Malaysia’s VAR system is operating at a high level, meeting the standards set by FIFA.
Looking ahead, FAM is preparing to launch the second batch of VAR training in October 2024, which will run until February 2025. This initiative will train 21 new VAR referees, 21 Assistant VAR (AVAR) referees, and 12 Replay Operators (ROs). Notably, three female referees—Nurul Ain Izzatty Zainal, Nur Akmal Anuar, and Munirah Ha Ali—will also participate, reflecting FAM’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the sport. These women have already earned recognition as AFC Women Elite Referees.
FAM continues to prioritize the development of its referees, striving for excellence in national and international football. The association remains committed to collaborating with affiliated members and state football associations to ensure the smooth implementation of referee development programs across the country, reinforcing the integrity and quality of Malaysian football.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
