The association said the picture of Noor Azman with Infantino and FAM honorary president Hamidin Amin was taken outside of any official Fifa or FAM event.

“Noor Azman was present in his personal capacity and was not representing FAM nor was he there on any official business for FAM.

“FAM wants to stress that since being suspended from his duties on Oct 17, Noor Azman has not been involved in any FAM activity, meeting or official programme.

“FAM hopes that this explanation clears up any confusion,” it said in a statement in response to a column piece by FMT editor Frankie D’Cruz.

Noor Azman was suspended amid the ongoing controversy surrounding allegations that falsified documents were submitted to Fifa on the issue of naturalised players.

The controversy arose after Fifa fined FAM 350,000 Swiss francs (about RM1.8 million) and suspended seven players for 12 months after finding that documents submitted to confirm their eligibility as naturalised players contained false information.

This morning, D’Cruz wrote that Noor Azman had raised eyebrows by attending a function involving Infantino despite his suspension and that attempts to obtain his comments had failed.

D’Cruz questioned how Noor Azman was able to turn up for the event, asking if FAM had granted him permission to be in attendance despite the suspension.