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The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced a major overhaul of the national setup, confirming the departures of several key figures across the senior and Under-23 teams.
In a statement today, FAM said national team chief executive officer Robert Douglas Friend, better known as Rob Friend, had mutually agreed with the association to terminate his contract, with the decision taking effect on June 1.
The exodus did not stop there.
National head coach Peter Cklamovski and two members of the senior team’s technical staff, Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, have also left their roles through mutual agreement. Their departures took effect on June 16.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Under-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin similarly parted ways with FAM, with their contracts ending on June 15.
FAM said it respected the decisions made and expressed its appreciation for the commitment, dedication and contributions shown by all those involved during their time with the national teams.
The association added that steps are already being taken to ensure continuity and maintain the direction of the national football programme.
“As part of efforts to ensure continuity and the smooth implementation of the national team’s plans, FAM is taking the necessary steps to fill the vacant positions,” the statement read.
Further announcements regarding the future of the national teams are expected to be made from time to time.
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FAM had in January seen all members of its Executive Committee (Exco) for the 2025-2029 term tender their resignations en masse, with the departures taking effect immediately.
The development comes in the wake of the “Seven Harimau Abroad” scandal, which resulted in Malaysia being deducted six points in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers after fielding ineligible players in multiple qualifying matches.
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