Azzuddin said Noor Azman should respect the suspension announced earlier and wait for the findings of the independent investigation committee.

“This is a serious matter and it should not have happened. As a general secretary, he should understand what the word ‘suspension’ means.

“He cannot be involved in any activity, even in a personal capacity,” Astro Arena quoted him as saying.

Calling the incident “out of the ordinary”, Azzuddin said it had created unnecessary talk on social media.

“It became even more chaotic because it went viral online. He is an important person in an organisation. It is a huge responsibility,” he said.

Yesterday, 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 an opinion column by FMT editor Frankie D’Cruz.