FAM DRAGGING FEET
National association yet to frame charges against Pahang for insubordination
AFTER the furore created by Pahang's refusal to play in the 2018 AFC Cup, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) are biding their time in taking action against the Super League team.
More than two weeks after Pahang snubbed a directive to accept the country’s second slot in the AFC Cup, the FAM secretariat have yet to move on framing charges.
FAM president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had warned that Pahang could face punishment if they chose not to play in Asia’s second-tier tournament.
But the lack of action appear to indicate that Pahang may escape punishment.
A source said FAM considered charging Pahang under Articles 67 and 69 of the FAM disciplinary code relating to “failure to obey” instructions or decisions.
These articles have been used in the past to take action against players for not responding to national duty and against players, officials, clubs or affiliates who take part in unsanctioned events and against those who fail to adhere to disciplinary decisions or any other decision taken by FAM.
“FAM can take action against Pahang if they wish but the issue here is what sort of punishment,” said the source.
“In the past, fines and suspensions not exceeding a year have been handed out to players and officials under the disciplinary code. But to take action against an affiliate is a bit more complicated. How do you punish an football association for not following orders?”
By virtue of finishing second in the 2017 Super League, Pahang qualified for the AFC Cup after FA Cup winners Kedah failed to obtain an AFC licence to play in the tournament.
But Pahang declined to compete, citing financial considerations and the need to focus on domestic competitions.
That led to Tunku Ismail vowing to refer Pahang to the FAM disciplinary committee, though that has yet to happen.
With only Johor Darul Ta’zim left to carry the Malaysian flag in next year’s AFC Cup, Asian Football Confederation general secretary Datuk Windsor Paul warned that Pahang’s absence could have an adverse effect on the country's club ranking in the future.
But to take action against an affiliate is a bit more complicated. How do you punish an football association for not following orders?