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FAM Cuts Ties with Peter Cklamovski and Rob Friend; Malaysia Faces Coaching Crisis Ahead of AFF Cup 2026
FAM terminated the contracts of head coach Peter Cklamovski and CEO Rob Friend on June 1, 2026, due to a naturalized player controversy. Several other staff were also released in mid-June. The move has created a leadership crisis for the Malaysian national team with the AFF Cup 2026 approaching, where they face a challenging group stage.
Quick Facts
Who
FAM (Football Association of Malaysia)
What
terminated contracts of head coach and CEO
When
December 16, 2024
Where
Malaysia
- terminated contracts of head coach and CEO
- dismissed senior staff and coaches
- naturalized player case
- leadership crisis
- preparations for AFF Cup 2026
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has formally terminated the contracts of head coach Peter Cklamovski and CEO Rob Friend, effective June 1, 2026, following a controversy involving the unauthorized use of naturalized players. The decision has plunged the national team into a leadership vacuum just months before the AFF Cup 2026.
Cklamovski, who was appointed on December 16, 2024, and began his tenure on January 5, 2025, was originally tasked with leading the Harimau Malaya in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Despite an impressive start that saw seven wins and one draw from eight matches, his tenure was cut short after the naturalization case came to light.
The shake-up extended beyond the head coach and CEO. FAM also ended its association with senior staff members Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki from June 16, 2026, as well as U-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin, both of whom were released effective June 15, 2026.
In an official statement, FAM described the mass dismissal as a mutual agreement, thanking the outgoing officials for their contributions. "FAM respects the decision made and expresses its deepest appreciation and gratitude for all the services, commitments, and contributions they have given throughout their time with the national team," the association said.
With the AFF Cup 2026 fast approaching, Malaysia now finds itself in a precarious position. The team has been drawn into a tough preliminary group alongside Thailand, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos, and will need to quickly find a new coaching staff to prepare for the regional tournament.
Why This Matters
The sudden departure of both the head coach and CEO leaves Malaysia without leadership just months before a critical regional tournament. The team faces a tough group with Thailand, Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos, and must rebuild its coaching structure immediately or risk poor performance in AFF Cup 2026, which could impact FIFA rankings and Asian Cup qualification trajectory.
Timeline & Sources
Dec 16, 2024
WirePeter Cklamovski appointed as Malaysia head coach.
Jan 5, 2025
WireCklamovski officially begins his tenure as head coach.
Jun 1, 2026
WireFAM terminates contracts of Peter Cklamovski and CEO Rob Friend due to naturalized player case.
Jun 15, 2026
WireFAM releases U-23 head coach Nafuzi Zain and goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin.
Jun 16, 2026
WireSenior staff Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki are also let go by FAM.
Jun 18, 2026
WireNews article published reporting the coaching and leadership crisis ahead of AFF Cup 2026.