Newly appointed Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, Datuk Joehari Ayub, faces a formidable challenge early in his tenure as he works to elevate Malaysian football.
Just over a month into his leadership, Joehari is well aware of the many pressing issues that require his attention.
A native of Sabah, he also holds the distinction of being the first Bornean to lead FAM in its 99-year history.
In an exclusive interview with Timesport, as cited by the New Straits Times, Joehari openly acknowledged that Malaysian football is plagued by deep-rooted, long-standing challenges.
At 59, he has assumed leadership at a turbulent time for the Malaysian leagues, which are struggling with financial instability and declining performance standards.
Football clubs are battling to stay afloat, youth development programs remain underfunded, and refereeing standards continue to spark controversy.
While the Liga Super Malaysia is currently one of Southeast Asia’s strongest leagues, much of its reputation rests on the dominance of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and, to a lesser extent, Selangor FC—both excelling domestically and on the continental stage. Meanwhile, clubs like Sri Pahang FC and Kedah Darul Aman face financial uncertainty, with the latter strongly denying rumors of closure, while Kelantan Darul Naim has been embroiled in cases of unpaid wages.
Even recent top-half finishers, such as Kuala Lumpur City FC and Sabah FC, have struggled with financial difficulties, leaving players unpaid in recent months.
Unlike those who might try to paint an overly optimistic picture, Joehari is candid in acknowledging that Malaysian football’s progress has been hampered by past missteps.
“We cannot ignore the fact that mistakes have been made, and these mistakes have had consequences,” he remarked.
“From the league structure to club management, from officiating standards to grassroots development—every aspect needs serious attention. If we do not recognize these issues, we will never be able to move forward,” Joehari stressed.
He also assured that FAM is actively addressing concerns, including reports of clubs failing to pay player salaries or dropping out of competition due to financial struggles.
Joehari emphasized that his administration is exploring ways to introduce reforms, particularly in reducing the financial burden on clubs.
“One of the main pressures clubs face is the requirement to field two or three youth teams. While we strongly support youth development, we also recognize the financial difficulties clubs are facing. We are considering making this requirement more flexible and looking into ways FAM can assist youth teams,” he explained.
And what about the ongoing criticism from frustrated fans? Joehari does not flinch from this ever-present reality.
“FAM will always be scrutinized—that comes with the territory. But criticism is only valuable when it leads to action. We pay close attention to the issues raised and will take necessary steps to address them,” Joehari assured.
Malaysian national coach Peter Cklamovski and Harimau Malaya CEO Rob Friend have also voiced concerns regarding the standard of the Liga Super.
Joehari welcomes their input.
“We take their comments seriously. These are professionals with extensive experience, and their concerns are not without basis. If there are areas that need improvement, we will work on them.”
Officiating remains a highly contentious topic, with fans and coaches frequently expressing frustration over referee decisions. Even with the introduction of VAR (video assistant referee), complaints persist.
“Refereeing has always been a sensitive matter, even at the highest levels of the game. Mistakes happen, even with VAR. However, we are not ignoring the issue. FAM regularly conducts courses and training sessions to improve officiating standards. Our referees need to be well-equipped and up to date with the latest regulations,” Joehari affirmed.
The club licensing process, once overseen by FAM, is now managed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL). However, MFL’s handling of the system has come under scrutiny, with some advocating for FAM to regain control.
A notable case highlighting these concerns is Kuala Lumpur, which was docked six points this season for submitting falsified documents in its club licensing application—raising further questions about MFL’s oversight and enforcement of regulations.
“For now, licensing remains under MFL’s authority. There are no immediate plans to change that, but we will continue discussions to determine the best way forward,” Joehari stated.
Beyond the pitch, Joehari highlighted that FAM is looking to strengthen its digital footprint.
“We are exploring ways to expand our digital presence. Football is evolving, and we must keep pace with the changes,” he noted.
Despite the long-standing challenges plaguing Malaysian football, Joehari has made it clear that he is ready to take on the task head-on. The new FAM president is rolling up his sleeves and stepping directly into the field to address these issues.