Why Fam Should Politely Decline Johor Regent S Rescue Offer

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What happens when a royal steps in and offers to “save” the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) from International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) sanctions?
On the face of it, the proposal sounds generous, but shouldn’t the move by the Johor regent be closely scrutinised?
There are many potential risks, and this seemingly innocent act should concern every Malaysian football fan, because what may not be obvious at first is that the real cost could be independence itself.
Last September, Fifa imposed sanctions on FAM and seven Harimau Malaya players for alleged forgery and falsification of documents on their naturalisation process.
ADSFAM filed its appeal, but Fifa rejected it and upheld the sanctions on Nov 3.
Disappointed with the outcome, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim claimed that Fifa’s rejection had been politically motivated and a “misapplication of the law”.
Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan IbrahimConcerned that the suspended footballers may not receive justice and motivated by his deep passion for football, Tunku Ismail drew on his experience as a former FAM president and expressed his willingness to support FAM by covering their legal and travel expenses amid the ongoing controversy.
His offer to “support the players at all costs” and to assist FAM in bringing its case to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was made on Nov 5.
Compromised independence
There can be no doubt about the regent’s wealth and passion for football, but the question remains, “Should the FAM accept the generous offer?”
To all and sundry, this gesture appears altruistic, but how many would bother to think about the implications of accepting this offer?
The regent has no official capacity in FAM apart from a deep-seated interest in football.
Moreover, haven’t we learnt the hard way from Malaysian politics that when someone outside the formal structure of the organisation offers to pay the bills, accountability, independence, and the rule of law all fly out the window.
So, we should ask ourselves: “Will FAM be free to decide its own path? Or will future decisions always be influenced (or perceived to be influenced) by the individual who paid for the rescue?”
There are many Malaysians who will welcome the regent’s gesture. They will say that his willingness to fund FAM’s appeal shows his commitment towards defending the reputation of Malaysian football.
It will also reflect his desire to protect national football interests. An added bonus is that he will relieve the FAM of financial strain.
ADSBeing a strong advocate for football development in the country, the regent already wields substantial informal influence in local football, especially with his media presence and the professional success of his club, Johor Darul Ta’zim.
He has no official role in FAM and, therefore, offering to support the heritage players will be seen as uniting the team to stand up against Fifa’s severe sanctions. This will definitely boost morale and increase public confidence.
Apart from reducing FAM’s financial burden, the regent’s offer could help facilitate FAM’s restructuring programme.
The last farcical press conference held a few weeks ago showed that FAM was in complete disarray and in desperate need of a crisis management team to overhaul the management and executive board.
More importantly, FAM needs to source a competent leader to take charge.
The unseen strings attached
Undoubtedly, many Malaysians are also equally opposed to the regent’s rescue.
Some will point to overseas football associations. While ceremonial royal patrons like Prince William in the UK are largely symbolic, the regent’s financial and informal sway creates potential dependency.
These will make it difficult for FAM to operate independently. When a royal steps in to resolve problems, many will ask whether future decisions to resolve problems are guided by principle, procedure, or influence.
As one football fan pointed out, “a bailout today becomes leverage tomorrow”. Once an unelected royal bankrolls a national sports body, independence is just an illusion, to be replaced by a form of soft control that no one dares to challenge.
A striking political parallel exists. Royal intervention.
During the 1MDB scandal, the disgraced convicted felon, Najib Abdul Razak claimed that hundreds of millions of ringgit in his personal accounts were a gift/donation from an “Arab prince”.
Najib’s then cabinet and his political allies rallied behind him, and in the process, delayed accountability.
In both, whether it is football or politics, a royal or a VVIP creates a protective aura that inhibits scrutiny.
While unrelated in substance, the episode serves as a reminder of how financial patronage can blur lines of accountability.
Therefore, once FAM accepts the large-scale financial rescue from a single influential benefactor, it is possible that they will feel obligated to that person.
Future administrative or strategic decisions may lean toward what the benefactor expects, instead of doing what’s best for the institution or football fans.
Salvation or governance?
Our principles should not be compromised. If other institutions which find themselves in trouble are then given help by powerful figures who adopt the regent’s model, this will lead to an unhealthy culture of who you know matters more than merit.
The regent’s offer is temporary, but what is the point of short-term fixes when serious underlying problems of failures and governance issues are compromised?
In the end, accepting the regent’s help may prove more problematic than ever. It is not whether the regent has the means or desire to help. The problem is that once the cheque book opens, the power dynamic will shift.
Does Malaysian football want to be “saved” by patronage, or “governed” by principle?
In football, as it is in democracy, our concern is not just about survival. Independence matters.
Malaysian football deserves more than a royal bailout; it deserves governance. - Mkini
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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