FA of Malaysia (FAM) partners with the English FA to launch new Respect campaigns
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is pleased to announce a partnership with the English Football Association (EFA) which will see the Malaysian governing body launch two Respect campaigns for the 2019/20 season.
Respect is one of mankind's most noble sentiments. In order to make a genuine difference to the behaviour of everyone involved in the game, a cultural shift needs to take place at all levels.
We are delighted to be working together with the English FA in creating awareness of the issues we all need to work on to provide a safe and enjoyable environment that protects participants, match officials, club administrators, volunteers and spectators.
Furthermore, in January 2020, FAM will launch a new campaign - ‘Play Positive’ - which focuses on the role that coaches and parents have to create the right environment for players of 4-12 years. The campaign will be launched alongside a new grassroots league, in which the FAM is encouraging children of the youngest age groups to engage in their national sport.
Alongside both campaigns, FAM will be launching educational activations and discipline procedures that will support the roll-out of both campaigns.
HOW TO REPORT DISCRIMINATION IN CONFIDENCE
Report your concerns in confidence
We take any report of discrimination extremely seriously. Here’s how you can report discrimination and what happens after you’ve submitted your report.
If you’ve been subjected to discriminatory behaviour – or seen it happen – you need to be able to report it quickly, and to the right people. We treat every report in confidence, ensuring concerns or experiences are heard, taken seriously and dealt with promptly and appropriately.
How do I report discrimination?
You can report concerns directly to your club, State FA or to FAM by emailing [email protected].
If you see or hear discrimination in football, whether on the pitch, at the training ground or in the stands, please report your complaint and or concerns to us. We’ll acknowledge your report and tell you what will happen next.
Please include the following information:
- Your name
- Your contact details
- Details of exactly what happened, where, when and the game/league/people involved
- Why do you think what happened is discriminatory?
FAM Respect provides a number of ways to report discrimination in football - whether it's involving a grassroots, non-league or professional game, as well as online abuse.
When reporting an incident of social media discrimination, screenshots or links to the offending posts are recommended in order to assist FAM Respect in taking up the issue with the relevant social media platform or authority.
Online Reporting Form
You can report an incident of discrimination in football - whether it took place online or at a grassroots, non-league or professional game - by filling in the online reporting form here: https://fam.org.my/webform/integrity
Speak to us
Call +603 7873 8020 and speak directly to FAM Head of Integrity.
Social media
Contact and follow FAM Respect directly on Instagram @FAMRespect.
Contact FAM Head of Integrity by emailing [email protected]
What is discriminatory behaviour?
Discriminatory abuse includes a reference to anyone or more of the following ‘protected characteristics’, covered by the Equality Act 2010:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion and belief
- Sex (gender)
- Sexual orientation
What's the punishment?
Based on FAM Disciplinary Code (2015 Edition)
Article 59
Offensive behaviour and fair play
Anyone who insults someone in any way, especially by using offensive gestures or language, or who violates the principles of fair play or whose behaviour is unsporting in any other way may be subject to sanctions in accordance with Art. 10
Article 60
Discrimination
1.
a) Anyone who offends the dignity of person or group of persons tho contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words or actions concerning color language, religion or origin shall be suspended for at least five matches. Furthermore, a stadium ban and a fine of at least RM5,000.00 shall be imposed. If the perpetrator an official, the fine shall be at least RM10,000.00
b) Where several persons (officials and/or players) from the same or club simultaneously breach par. 1 a) or there are other aggravating circumstances, the team or club concerned may be deducted three points for a first offence and six points for a second offence; a further offence may result in demotion to a lower divison In the case of matches in which no points are awarded, the team or club may be disqualified from the competition.
2.
a) Where supporters of a team breach par. 1 a) at a match, a fine of at least RM15,000.00 shall be imposed on the team or club concerned regardless of the question of culpable conduct or culpable oversight.
b) Serious offences may be punished with additional sanctions, in particular an order play a match behind closed doors, the forfeit of a match, a points deductions or disqualification from the competition.
3. Spectators who breach par. 1 a) of this Article shall receive a stadium ban of at least two years.
Football Association of Malaysia:
When we're made aware of an incident and if it’s a police matter, we'll wait for the police to conclude its process. We contact the complainant to see if he/she wants to make a formal complaint. If not, we review whether there is enough evidence to launch a formal investigation, even without the complainant’s evidence.
We gather evidence including broadcast and non-broadcast footage, witness statements (complainants, direct witness and supporting witnesses). Gathering information can involve many witnesses and in some cases expert evidence, it’s impossible to predict the timescales of any one review.
Our regulatory team of barristers review the evidence internally to decide whether or not to issue a charge. This team consists of different individuals to those compiling the evidence.
The hearing is heard by an independent regulatory commission. The decision outcome, in the form of a charge, warning not for action is communicated to the complainant and alleged offender before publication.