AI
Jun 18, 20261
59%
National Team Coaches Peter Cklamovski and Nafuzi Zain Step Down

Peter Cklamovski, head coach of the senior Malaysian national team, and Nafuzi Zain, head coach of the Under-23 side, have officially stepped down from their roles. The departures, confirmed by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), were by mutual agreement and follow the earlier exit of CEO Rob Friend.





Quick Facts
Who
Peter Cklamovski
What
stepped down as head coach
When
2026-06-18
Where
Malaysia
- stepped down as head coach
- terminated contracts by mutual agreement
- Peter Cklamovski
- Nafuzi Zain
- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)
Peter Cklamovski and Nafuzi Zain have officially parted ways with the Malaysian national football setup, stepping down as head coaches of the senior team and the Under-23 squad, respectively, according to announcements made on Wednesday.
Cklamovski, who led the Harimau Malaya senior team, expressed his gratitude through the Malaysia NT official page, stating that the time has come for him to take on a new challenge. "I would like to sincerely thank all involved for the support and now for understanding my decision that the time has come for me to take on a new challenge," he said in a statement.
Reflecting on his tenure, Cklamovski praised the dedication of his players and staff, emphasizing their shared goal of bringing honour to the nation. "Every training session, every match and every moment together was driven by the same objective to make Malaysia proud," he added. He also highlighted the potential of Malaysian football, stressing the importance of protecting its culture and making decisions guided by what is best for the game and the players.
Nafuzi Zain, meanwhile, described his departure from the Under-23 team as a difficult decision. He thanked the management, support staff, and players for their unwavering support and remained optimistic about the future of the young Harimau Malaya squad, calling the players the nation's most valuable assets.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that the contracts of Cklamovski and two senior squad technical staff members, Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, were terminated by mutual agreement effective June 16. Nafuzi's contract, along with that of goalkeeper coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin, was also terminated by mutual agreement effective June 15. Previously, FAM had announced the termination of national team chief executive officer Rob Friend's contract, effective June 1.
FAM stated that further developments regarding the national team management will be announced in due course.
Why This Matters
The simultaneous departure of both senior and U-23 head coaches, along with the earlier exit of the CEO, creates a leadership vacuum at the highest level of Malaysian football. This may delay preparation for upcoming international fixtures, affect player development pathways, and trigger a major restructuring. Fans and stakeholders should monitor FAM's next announcements closely as they will shape the future direction of the national teams.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 1, 2026
WireRob Friend's contract terminated by mutual agreement as CEO
Jun 15, 2026
WireNafuzi Zain and Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin contracts terminated by mutual agreement
Jun 16, 2026
WirePeter Cklamovski, Matthew Smith, and Seiya Imazaki contracts terminated by mutual agreement
Jun 18, 2026
WireCklamovski and Nafuzi Zain announce departures publicly