SHAH ALAM - Anyone who wants to become the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President should have the support and trust of Johor Regent Tunku Mahkota Ismail, if he does not take the role himself.
Former FAM Acting President Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said this criterion is important, as Tunku Mahkota Ismail is seen as the most consistent and influential figure in Malaysian football.
He said the commitment shown by Tunku Mahkota Ismail towards the country’s number one sport is unquestionable, as His Highness has remained dedicated regardless of the nation’s economic conditions.
“If Tunku Mahkota Ismail does not wish to hold the position, then the FAM president should be chosen from individuals who have His Highness’s trust and blessing. History has shown that FAM has previously been led by figures such as Tun Abdul Razak, Tan Sri Datuk Hamzah Abu Samah and Tan Sri Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.
“However, the reality is that without the support of a figure with strong influence in the national football ecosystem, the journey to success will be much more challenging.
“This is the reality of modern football. It is not just about a position, but about strength, networks and the ability to move the entire system forward. Think about it,” he said.
Commenting on current challenges, he said FAM leadership today faces pressures that are very different from earlier eras.
He explained that in the age of social media and technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), criticism and public accusations from netizens have become a 'new normal' that leaders must deal with.
“Anyone selected as FAM president must have strong mental resilience, must not be easily shaken and must not ‘crack’ under continuous pressure,” he said.
The race for the FAM president job is getting more intense ahead of the congress after the World Cup, with several people being linked to the position.