The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is one of the three nations shortlisted for the silver level AFC President\u2019s Recognition Awards for Grassroots Football by the Asian Football Confederation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, will the ongoing controversy surrounding the national federation in allegedly submitting forged documents to FIFA and subsequent fine and suspension of seven players affect their chances of winning the award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AFC Awards Riyadh, to showcase Asia\u2019s finest will take centrestage on October 16 in the Saudi city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the particular nomination is confined to grassroots development, picking an association embroiled in an international controversy may not look well for the sport of the AFC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It remains to be seen whether FAM\u2019s indiscretion would be overlooked by the selection panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FAM are in contention for the award together with Guam Football Association and the All Indian Football Federation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While FAM may see their chances diminished, Malaysian star Arif Aiman Hanapi may not be adversely affected by the current scandal. He has been nominated for the AFC Player of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first ever Malaysian to be nominated, Arif enjoyed a stunning 2024\/25 campaign. He rose to the occasion on the Continent\u2019s brightest stage for Johor Darul Ta\u2019zim, bagging five goals as they reached the Round of 16, while also winning the domestic treble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The forward is a key figure for his country as well, as they look to reach the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027. Seven players who featured in the crucial qualifying match, where Malaysia defeated Vietnam 4-0, are currently serving one year suspensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The two other contenders in the category are Qatari Akram Afif and Saudi Arabia\u2019s Salem Al Dawsari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, said: \u201cSo much of the focus over the last 12 months has been centred around the strategic reforms to the AFC\u2019s brand and competitions, so it is only fitting that we adopt a similar approach with a refreshed identity for the most celebrated night in Asian football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd nowhere is the drive to accelerate the development of the global game more palpable than in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has transformed into the focal point of world football in recent years. I want to convey our utmost appreciation to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and the Kingdom\u2019s leadership, for their warm hospitality and outstanding hosting capabilities.
\u201cAs we look forward to celebrating the men and women whose contributions have left a profound impact on tomorrow\u2019s generation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those shortlisted. My gratitude also goes to our Member Associations and Regional Associations for continuing to inspire us through their dedication to strive for excellence year after year, and the commitment to deliver on the shared outcomes underlined in the AFC\u2019s Vision and Mission.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FULL LIST OF NOMINEES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n MEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Arif Aiman Hanapi (Mas), Akram Afif (Qat), Salem Al Dawsari (KSA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Holly McNamara (Aus), Wang Shuang (Chn), Hana Takahashi (Jpn)<\/p>\n\n\n\n ASIAN INTERNATIONAL MEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Mehdi Taremi (Irn), Takefusa Kubo (Jpn), Lee Kang-in (Kor)<\/p>\n\n\n\n ASIAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Stephanie Catley (Aus), Maila Hamano (Jpn), Yui Hasegawa (Jpn)<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEN FUTSAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Moslem Oladghobad (Irn), Salar Aghapour (Irn), Muhammad Osamanmusa (Tha)<\/p>\n\n\n\n YOUTH MEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Alex Badolato (Aus), Hamed Yousef (KSA), Sadriddin Khasanov (Uzb)<\/p>\n\n\n\n YOUTH WOMEN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Choe Il Son (PRK), Jon Il Chong (Prk), Manaka Matsukubo (Jpn)<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEN COACH OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Trevor Morgan (Aus), Ri Song Ho (PRK), Song Sung Gwon (PRK)<\/p>\n\n\n\n WOMEN COACH OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Lu Kuei-Hua (Tpe), Marziyeh Jafari (Irn), Nuengruthai Srathongvian (Tha)<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR (PLATINUM): <\/strong>Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan Football Association<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR (DIAMOND)<\/strong>: Chinese Football Association, Football Association of Thailandf, Vietnam Football Federation<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR (GOLD): <\/strong>Football Association of Hong Kong China, Limited<\/p>\n\n\n\n MEMBER ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR (RUBY): <\/strong>Bangladesh Football Federation, Guam Football Association,Lao Football Association<\/p>\n\n\n\n REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR: <\/strong>Asean Football Federation, East Asian Football Federation, South Asian Football Federation<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRESIDENT’S RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (GOLD): <\/strong>China Football Association, Saudi Arabian Football Association, United Arab Emirates Football Association<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRESIDENT’S RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (SILVER): <\/strong>Guam Football Association, All India Football Federation, Football Association of Malaysia<\/p>\n\n\n\n PRESIDENT’S RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL (BRONZE): <\/strong>Bangladesh Football Federation, Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, Vietnam Football Federation<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is one of the three nations shortlisted for the silver level 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