Malaysia national football team has responded calmly and professionally following the recent sanctions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), with Chief Executive Officer Rob Friend reaffirming the team’s commitment to unity and performance on the pitch.
In an official statement, Rob Friend acknowledged the ruling by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, which resulted in a points deduction for Malaysia in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.
“We acknowledge the decision issued by the AFC Disciplinary and Ethics Committee regarding the points deduction. We respect the regulatory processes of the competition.”
At the same time, he confirmed that the matter is currently under review through the appropriate legal channels, signaling that further developments could still unfold.
Despite the setback, the focus within the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) setup remains firmly on maintaining team morale and professionalism.
“Our priority remains clear — to support our players and staff, and to ensure they are in the best possible position to represent Malaysia with professionalism, unity, and pride,” Friend added.
This approach reflects a determination to shield the squad from off-field distractions as they continue their qualification campaign.
Attention has now shifted fully to the upcoming clash against Vietnam, a key fixture that could shape Malaysia’s path in the qualifiers.
Friend emphasised that the team will approach the match with the same Belief, Resilience, Discipline that have defined their performances throughout 2025.
The CEO also took the opportunity to thank fans for their unwavering backing during a challenging period.
“We thank our supporters for their continued belief in the team.”
Credit Photo : FAM
