KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) has appointed legal counsel to contest a lawsuit filed by its suspended affiliate, the Perlis FA (PFA).
FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman confirmed that the FAM congress-cum-elections on Feb 15 will proceed as planned.
However, it could be delayed if the court issues a suspension order.
"FAM has appointed legal counsel to contest the lawsuit filed by PFA.
"Since the case is currently being heard in court, I have been advised by the lawyers not to issue any statements as it may be sub judice to the proceedings," said Azman.
PFA filed the lawsuit in the Kangar High Court, challenging FAM's decision to suspend its membership.
The suspension, imposed on Dec 4, was linked to unpaid wages and compensation owed to former Swansea City player Matt Holland, who served as PFA's football director under the late Datuk Ahmad Amizal Shaifit Ahmad Rafie in 2019.
On Saturday, PFA president Zamri Ibrahim confirmed the legal action, stating that the association is awaiting the court's decision on an injunction request to delay the FAM congress-cum-elections until a verdict is reached.
Azman said there are no updates regarding the suspended Kelantan FA (KAFA), while Perak FA (Pafa) is required to follow proper procedures to address complaints.
KAFA has been instructed to reconvene its annual general meeting-cum-elections for the 2024-2028 term following allegations that several affiliates were excluded from the meeting.
As for Pafa, an issue has been reported involving the Kuala Kangar FA (KKFA), which was allegedly not invited to its congress.
Azman said KKFA must first submit a formal complaint to the Sports Commissioners' Office (SCO).
"We received a complaint last week. We will advise the member to file a formal complaint to the SCO first," said Azman, adding that FAM would investigate further once the proper channels are followed.
With the suspensions of KAFA and PFA, only 18 affiliates remain eligible to vote in the FAM elections.
These affiliates include the FAs of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Sarawak, Sabah, Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Malays, Malaysian Chinese, along with the Malaysian Indian Sports Council and the Football Coaches Association of Malaysia.