KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has clarified its decision to temporarily remove the Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) report from its official website shortly after it was published, stating that the move was necessary to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Acting President Datuk Wira Mohd Yusoff Mahadi acknowledged that the association may have misjudged the timing of the publication, as it coincided with critical submission processes involving FAM’s legal representatives at CAS concerning a high-profile document falsification issue.
He explained that while the intention behind publishing the report was rooted in transparency and public accountability, the association later realised the legal implications that could arise if the document was left accessible during sensitive judicial deliberations.
“We uploaded the report because it is a public document, and we believe the public deserves clarity. However, we did not initially anticipate that the timing would clash with our legal submissions to CAS,” he said.
Yusoff stressed that FAM did not want the uploaded report to be perceived as an attempt to influence legal proceedings or complicate formal documentation being submitted through official channels. Therefore, the association made the cautious decision to temporarily withdraw the document.
He provided assurance that the removal is not permanent and should not be interpreted as secrecy or reluctance to disclose information. Instead, he reiterated that the report will be reinstated after legal counsel confirms that its publication will not interfere with arbitration processes.
“We have nothing to hide. Once our legal team approves, we will upload it again. It is, after all, a public document,” he said firmly.
The IIC report has been highly anticipated due to its connection to allegations of document falsification within Malaysian football administration — an issue that has sparked debates about governance standards, credibility, and institutional accountability.
The episode highlights FAM’s delicate task of balancing transparency with legal responsibility. Yusoff acknowledged this challenge and emphasised that the association remains committed to improving internal systems, strengthening integrity frameworks, and restoring public confidence.
He also appealed for understanding from stakeholders, particularly football fans and analysts who have questioned the sudden document removal. He assured that FAM continues to act in good faith and with legal responsibility as its priority.
While the document remains temporarily unavailable, FAM reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the case responsibly and cooperating fully with all relevant authorities. The organisation believes that once the legal process is completed and the report is made public again, it will offer clearer context and answers regarding the controversy.
For now, the football community will remain watchful, as developments surrounding the CAS case and FAM’s transparency commitments continue to unfold — shaping not only the association’s reputation, but also the wider credibility of Malaysian football governance.