FAM Undergoes Major Reshuffle as Contracts of CEO and Multiple Coaches Are Terminated

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.