Football Association of Malaysia has strongly rejected allegations that it failed to present audited financial reports since 2016, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.
In an official statement, the national football governing body emphasized that it has consistently complied with its statutory obligations and maintained transparent financial management practices, while also acknowledging shortcomings related to annual budget presentations in recent years.
The statement comes amid increased scrutiny of governance reforms within Malaysian football, with FAM seeking to clarify what it described as misconceptions surrounding its financial reporting procedures.
FAM stressed that audited financial statements have been tabled regularly during its Annual Congresses, including the most recent report covering the financial year ending December 31, 2025.
According to the association, the report was formally presented during the First Extraordinary FAM Congress of 2026, held last Thursday, in full compliance with the provisions outlined in the FAM Statutes.
The governing body insisted that claims suggesting audited reports had not been presented since 2016 were entirely unfounded.
“As an organization that values integrity, FAM wishes to correct this perception and reaffirm that audited financial reports have consistently been presented in accordance with statutory requirements,” the statement noted.
FAM also outlined the governance framework behind its financial reporting process.
Before reaching Congress, every annual financial statement must undergo review and approval by the FAM Finance and Management Committee before being presented to the FAM Executive Committee (EXCO).
Only after passing through these layers of scrutiny are the reports submitted to Congress members for final approval.
The association highlighted this multi-stage process as evidence of internal accountability and financial oversight.
One of the key points raised by FAM was the involvement of international football authorities in reviewing its finances.
In addition to local certified auditors, the association revealed that its financial accounts are audited annually by both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation.
These audits are mandatory due to the funding and development grants received from football’s world and continental governing bodies.
FAM stated that compliance with FIFA and AFC auditing requirements demonstrates the credibility and transparency of its financial management system.
The association further explained that once financial reports receive approval from Congress delegates, they are formally submitted to the Sports Commissioner’s Office (PJS) through the MyKBS system for official review and endorsement.
This additional layer of regulatory oversight, according to FAM, reinforces accountability and ensures compliance with national sports governance requirements.
While firmly defending its audit record, FAM acknowledged shortcomings regarding the presentation of annual budgets during Congress sessions.
The governing body explained that between 2020 and 2022, there was no statutory requirement mandating annual budget presentations at Congress level. Nevertheless, budgets during that period were still reviewed and approved internally through the Finance and Management Committee and Executive Committee.
However, following recommendations from FIFA aimed at strengthening governance standards, FAM amended its statutes in 2023 to require annual budget presentations during Congress meetings.
The association admitted that implementation of this requirement was not fully carried out for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 financial years.
FAM described the matter as an administrative oversight and pledged to ensure future budget presentations strictly follow the revised governance framework.
In defending its governance record, FAM pointed to several notable achievements.
The association received a five-star rating from the Sports Commissioner’s Office for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2022, reflecting high standards of administration and organizational management.
At the continental level, FAM was also recognized by the AFC through the AFC Dream Asia Awards 2019, where it earned a Bronze Award in the Inspiration category.
More recently, FAM was named among Asia’s top three football associations in grassroots development during the 29th AFC Annual Awards in Riyadh.
These achievements, FAM argued, demonstrate its long-standing commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Credit Photo : FAM
