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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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FAM Undergoes Major Reshuffle as Contracts of CEO and Multiple Coaches Are Terminated

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed a major reshuffle, ending the contracts of CEO Rob Friend, senior team head coach Peter Cklamovski, and several other coaching staff by mutual agreement. The changes affect both the senior and Under-23 national teams, with FAM expressing appreciation for their service and stating it is taking steps to ensure programme continuity.





Quick Facts
Who
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)
What
Termination of contracts by mutual agreement
When
June 1, 2026 (CEO contract ended)
Where
Malaysia
- Termination of contracts by mutual agreement
- Major restructuring of national team management
- Changes to senior and Under-23 coaching staff
- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)
- Rob Friend
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced a sweeping restructuring of its national team management, terminating the contracts of CEO Rob Friend and several senior and youth team coaches by mutual agreement.
In an official statement released on June 18, 2026, FAM confirmed that the contract of Chief Executive Officer Robert Douglas Friend, known as Rob Friend, was ended by mutual consent effective June 1, 2026. The decision marks the end of Friend's tenure, during which he was tasked with reforming Malaysian football.
Alongside Friend, the contracts of senior national team head coach Peter Cklamovski, as well as technical staff Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, were terminated by mutual agreement effective June 16, 2026. The Under-23 squad also saw changes, with head coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin having their contracts ended by mutual consent effective June 15, 2026.
Cklamovski, an Australian coach, took over the senior national team from interim coach Pau Marti, who himself had replaced South Korean coach Kim Pan-gon. During Cklamovski's tenure, Malaysia played nine matches, recording seven wins, one draw, and one loss. However, his stint was marred by controversy surrounding naturalised players.
FAM expressed gratitude for the contributions of all departing personnel. "FAM respects the decision made and extends its highest appreciation and gratitude for all their service, commitment, and contributions throughout their time with the national team," the association said in its release.
The association has pledged to take appropriate steps to ensure continuity and stability in the national team programme, including filling vacant positions, and said further updates would be announced in due course.
Topics
Why This Matters
This restructuring signals a potential shift in Malaysian football strategy and could affect future coaching hires, player development pipelines, and international performance. For fans and stakeholders, it means uncertainty in team leadership and possibly new directions in naturalization policies and youth programs.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 1, 2026
WireContract of CEO Rob Friend ended by mutual consent
Jun 15, 2026
WireContracts of U23 head coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin ended by mutual consent
Jun 16, 2026
WireContracts of senior team head coach Peter Cklamovski, Matthew Smith, and Seiya Imazaki ended by mutual consent
Jun 18, 2026
WireFAM officially announces the restructuring