KUALA LUMPUR: Former FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah has raised concerns over the timing of the national body's decision to suspend the Kelantan FA (KAFA), just months ahead of its congress-cum-elections for the 2025-2029 term scheduled on Feb 15.
KAFA is the second affiliate to face suspension by FAM within a month, following Perlis FA's (PFA) sanction earlier.
On Monday, FAM announced that KAFA's status as an affiliate had been revoked with immediate effect, citing irregularities in its congress-cum-elections for the 2024-2028 term.
"I cannot confirm or deny any connection, but assumptions will arise. A decision made so hastily invites speculation about its relevance to the upcoming FAM congress. It's not definitive, but people will question the intention," said Afandi.
Since receiving FAM's suspension memo, KAFA has requested a detailed explanation but has yet to receive a response.
Afandi said the suspension stemmed from the annulment of memberships for two KAFA affiliates, Pasir Puteh and Jeli.
"FAM claims our congress was invalid, but KAFA remains a legitimate entity. They haven't stated that we're inactive, so how does this suspension hold?
"We wrote to FAM on the same day we were suspended, but the justification remains unclear.
"Article 17 was cited, which allows suspension by the executive committee if a member violates serious obligations or repeats such offences.
"However, we have not committed any such breaches. This decision seems rushed and lacks transparency. What exactly are we being penalised for?" Afandi questioned.
Ahead of its congress in July, KAFA had consulted the Sports Commissioner's Office (SCO) to verify the status of its affiliates and subsequently dropped those deemed inactive.
Afandi noted that FAM had not issued a show-cause letter before imposing the suspension.
"Even decisions by the SCO can be appealed in the Court of Appeals. Previously, such matters would involve SCO oversight, but this time, FAM was given full authority.
"We followed all procedures professionally," Afandi said.
He also expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in FAM's letters regarding whether KAFA could appeal the suspension.
Despite the controversy, Afandi hinted at his intention to contest the FAM presidency following Tan Sri Hamidin Amin's decision not to seek re-election.
"If I receive nominations, I can contest. Any Malaysian citizen is eligible under the statute.
"There are current FAM exco members without an affiliate, so I should not face any obstacles," Afandi said.
To run for the hot seat, a candidate requires nominations from six affiliates.
The deputy position requires five, while the four vice-presidents and exco members need four and two nominations, respectively.