In a stunning and unprecedented administrative overhaul, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has announced a wholesale clearance of its national team structure. 

The national football body has mutually terminated the contracts of its National Team Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the senior team’s head coach, and the Under-23 national team’s head coach, effectively leaving the country’s international football apparatus entirely vacant.

The sweeping changes, which caught local football enthusiasts by surprise, signal a drastic reset for the future trajectory of Malaysian football as the governing body prepares for an extensive restructuring phase.

The Corporate and Senior Skuad Departures

The structural dissolution began at the corporate level. FAM confirmed that the contract of National Team CEO Robert Douglas Friend, widely known across the football community as Rob Friend, was terminated by mutual agreement, retroactively effective from June 1, 2026. 

Friend’s departure left a significant void in the administrative management of the national squads.

The administrative exit was immediately followed by a complete evacuation of the senior team’s technical bench. 

National Team Head Coach Peter Cklamovski has officially parted ways with Harimau Malaya. 

His departure, effective June 16, 2026, was also executed through a mutual agreement with the association. 

Cklamovski did not exit alone; his core backroom staff, consisting of senior technical team officials Matthew Smith and Seiya Imazaki, also saw their contracts mutually terminated on the exact same date, leaving the senior squad completely devoid of its technical leadership.

Upon his departure, Cklamovski expressed deep gratitude to the players and backroom staff who dedicated themselves to the national cause. 

He emphasized the immense footballing culture within the country and left a pointed message regarding the governance of the sport moving forward.

“Malaysian football has incredible potential. The passion of the supporters, the talent of the players, and the love for the game in this country are things that must always be protected. My hope is that Malaysian football continues to grow, with decisions always guided by what is best for the game, the players, and the future of the nation.” – Peter Cklamovski.

U-23 Skuad Collateral Damage: Nafuzi Zain Steps Down

The radical purging of the national setup quickly trickled down to the developmental ranks. 

In an equally shocking revelation, FAM announced that the contract of Under-23 National Team Head Coach Nafuzi Zain had also been brought to an end by mutual consent, effective June 15, 2026. Alongside Nafuzi, national youth goalkeeping coach Mohd Yazid Mohd Yassin was similarly relieved of his duties under the same terms.

Nafuzi Zain, a highly respected figure in the local coaching circuit, issued an emotional farewell statement to the fans and the young athletes he spearheaded. 

He reflected on the immense pride he felt guiding the nation’s premier youth talents and backed them to eventually become the bedrock of the senior Harimau Malaya squad.

“Today, I announce my departure as Head Coach of the U-23 national team. It is certainly not easy to say goodbye to a team that is so close to my heart. Thank you to management, support staff, players, and the fans who have always stood behind me with unwavering spirit. I am confident this team will continue to grow and achieve success with the young talent available, making them crucial assets for the future.” – Nafuzi Zain.

FAM’s Search for a New Era

In its official statement, FAM expressed its deepest appreciation and gratitude to Rob Friend, Peter Cklamovski, Nafuzi Zain, and their respective technical staff for their service, commitment, and contributions during their tenures with the national teams.

With the senior team, the U-23 squad, and the chief executive office completely cleared out, FAM now faces the monumental task of rebuilding the nation’s footballing pipeline from scratch. 

To mitigate panic among the fan base, the association assured the public that it is already executing the necessary steps to fill these critical vacancies. 

FAM emphasized that these upcoming appointments are vital to ensuring continuity and maintaining the momentum of the national football program, promising further updates as negotiations progress.