FAM hails Tunku Mahkota Ismail's feedback, to review referees body proposal

KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) respects the feedback of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) owner, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and appreciates his contributions to the development of football in the country.

FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram said Tunku Mahkota Ismail's suggestion that the refereeing body should be independent and not under FAM's jurisdiction will be thoroughly reviewed by the national football governing body.

"FAM greatly values all feedback and ideas from Tunku Mahkota Ismail. We will carefully consider his proposal regarding the establishment of an independent body to manage referees in the M-League.

"We accept this feedback with an open heart," said Sivasundaram in response to Tunku Mahkota Ismail's statement posted on the X (Twitter) platform on Thursday, Jan 30.

Football is a popular sport, and locals are passionate about the game.

Sivasundaram also addressed the Tunku Mahkota Ismail's proposal that clubs unhappy with refereeing decisions be allowed to appoint and fund foreign referees for their matches.

"If a team are dissatisfied with the performance of local referees, they may request to use the services of foreign referees.

"However, all costs, including referee allowances, accommodation, meals, and other expenses, must be borne by the club itself. FAM or MFL will not cover the cost of hiring foreign referees.

"It is important to note that securing foreign referees is very costly, as their fees are paid in US dollars," he said.

Sivasundaram also highlighted that referees officiating in the M-League have demonstrated commendable performances throughout the 2024-2025 season.

"The referees have shown strong knowledge of the laws of the game, high fitness levels, and have been supported by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which has proven to be effective. So far, FAM has only received four written complaints from 161 matches.

"FIFA-accredited referees from Malaysia have been recognised by both the AFC and FIFA. As we know, Nazmi Nasaruddin and his two assistants, Zairul Khalil Tan and Mua'zi Zainal Abidin, have officiated at the Asian Cup and the Asian Champions League.

Nazmi is also one of the candidates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup refereeing team.

"FAM has also nurtured a group of young and promising referees through the Professional Referee Academy project," he said.

Sivasundaram said the growth and success of the M-League rely heavily on financial stability and well-structured, professional team management.

"FAM will always be attentive and open to constructive ideas, including those put forward by Tunku Mahkota Ismail in his latest statement," he said.

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