The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) found itself in the hot seat during the national team’s clash with Nepal in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Group F third-round qualifier at Bukit Jalil’s National Stadium last night.

Fans didn’t hold back. Social media - including Astro Arena - was flooded with photos and videos of banners calling out FAM and reminding officials that national pride isn’t for sale.

“Jangan gadaikan maruah negara. Maruah ini bukan untuk digadai. Selesaikan Segara. FAM Bangsat” (Do not pawn national pride. This is not for pawning. Resolve it soon. FAM Bangsat)

One particularly catchy protest had supporters turning to dikir barat, the traditional Malay musical art form, to belt out: “CEO is full of shxx.”

This comes in the wake of the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) announcing a probe into FAM’s internal workings after suspending seven of its naturalised players for allegedly using doctored documents to play in Malaysia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam.

“This investigation shall aim to identify the individuals responsible for the falsification of documents, assess the adequacy and effectiveness of FAM’s internal compliance and governance mechanisms, and determine whether additional disciplinary measures are warranted against FAM officials,” Fifa said.

FAM is appealing the sanctions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim reportedly offering to foot the bill.

Back in September, Fifa fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (RM1.9 million), while each of the seven players - Gabriel Felipe Arrocha, Facundo Tomas Garces, Rodrigo Julian Holgado, Imanol Javier Machuca, Joao Vitor Brandao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal Iraurgui, and Hector Alejandro Hevel Serrano - were fined 2,000 Swiss francs and slapped with 12-month suspensions.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that the seven “heritage” players admitted to Fifa that they do not speak Bahasa Malaysia, though FAM insists they passed the required language test for citizenship.

The details revealed by Fifa’s Appeals Committee have also led to questions regarding Rob Friend’s exact role with the national team.

According to Fifa, Friend clarified that he serves as a consultant to the FAM, based in Canada and travelling to Malaysia for matchdays. This contrasts with Malaysian reports that had described him as the team’s CEO.

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