{
  "id": 15377630,
  "title": "French journalist slams Asian body over FAM's award nomination",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/french-journalist-slams-asian-body-over-fams-award-nomination",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T08:18:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1558269/french-journalist-slams-asian-body-over-fams-award-nomination"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned French investigative journalist Romain Molina has harshly criticized the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) over Malaysia's football association (FA of Malaysia) being nominated for a prestigious award. Molina expressed doubt about the AFC's credibility on the social media platform X after the FA of Malaysia was included in the contenders for the AFC Member Association of the Year (Gold) award. Molina questioned the legitimacy of the Malaysian Football Association being considered for the award, given their recent history of falsifying player nationalities. Molina's comments come in the wake of the 2025 controversy surrounding FAM's heritage players, which led to FIFA sanctions and a mass resignation of the association's executive committee. The AFC has responded to Molina's criticism, stating that all associations must submit their activities and program reports for assessment by a selection panel. The panel evaluates associations based on various factors, such as grassroots development, youth competitions, and hosting events.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: France’s renowned investigative journalist Romain Molina has launched a scathing attack on the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) following the nomination of the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for a top award.",
  "key_points": [
    "French journalist Romain Molina criticizes AFC over Malaysia's nomination.",
    "Molina doubts AFC's credibility due to Malaysia's falsified player nationalities.",
    "AFC responds, stating all associations must submit activities for assessment."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}