AFC, FIFA audit not evidence of failures by previous FAM management - Hamidin

KUALA LUMPUR - Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) Honorary President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin said the quality audit report presented by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA should not be interpreted as evidence of failures by FAM's previous management.

Instead, he said the report was aimed at strengthening the association's governance in line with international standards following FAM's own request to AFC and FIFA to assess the overall administrative structure of the national football governing body.

"What this quality audit does is benchmark against the high standards of AFC and FIFA. It does not mean that what was done previously was wrong.

"FAM carried out its responsibilities in accordance with the statutes that existed at the time, but AFC and FIFA see room for improvement in line with the demands of modern football," he told reporters yesterday.

Hamidin said the audit was important in helping to improve FAM and gradually elevate the governing body to a higher level.

"But that does not mean it was wrong. This is a reform initiative, as stated by Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John (AFC General Secretary), aimed at enhancing and improving FAM," he said.

In a separate development, the former FAM president also expressed hope that the new leadership of the governing body would address issues involving seven national heritage players, which remain a topic of discussion among football fans.

"As is known, FAM has already taken preliminary action by lodging a police report and is still awaiting further developments.

"They (FAM) will not wash their hands of the matter. I am also of the view that the new president and executive committee should examine this issue comprehensively," he said. - BERNAMA