KUALA LUMPUR — Tan Sri Hamidin Amin’s shocking decision to step down as the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president next year has sparked speculation of a shake-up in Malaysian football’s top leadership, with his executive committee members potentially following suit.
Hamidin hinted that some of the executive committee members might also choose not to contest at the FAM Congress scheduled for February next year.
“I have already made my decision, and I am going to stick to it, but I am not sure whether others in my leadership team, including FAM Deputy President Datuk S. Sivasundaram, will contest.
“If they don’t wish to contest, that is up to them, but if they do, it shows they still want to contribute to the betterment of the national football team.
“As for me, I believe I have done everything I can for the national team, including initiating the construction of the National Training Centre (NTC) project. This is a legacy that will carry on for the rest of my life,” said Hamidin during a press conference at Wisma FAM yesterday.
The NTC project, which broke ground in Putrajaya in 2022, was initially delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.
The RM65 million project is being executed in two phases. Phase one, supported by a RM21 million allocation from FIFA, commenced in June this year after prolonged delays and is expected to be completed within two years.
Phase two will include the construction of a covered training centre, gymnasium, and additional facilities, with work anticipated to begin by late 2025.
Meanwhile, in a recent podcast interview on Scoop’s Sport Check, FAM’s communications and media committee chairman, Christopher Raj, revealed that he has yet to decide whether he will contest to retain his post.
“I am unsure and have not decided whether I will contest at next year’s FAM Congress. Even if I do, I don’t want to chair the Media Committee, as I have done so for eight years.
“If I were to get another term in office, I would prefer to focus on heading youth development and elevating the untapped potential within the Orang Asli community, or perhaps contributing to the development of women’s football,” said Christopher.
Currently, there are a total of 18 members in Hamidin’s executive committee. Before becoming president, Hamidin served as FAM Vice-President and General Secretary.
Under his leadership, the national team qualified on merit for this year’s AFC Asian Cup in Qatar — their first appearance in 43 years — and rose in the FIFA world rankings from 171st to 132nd. – December 5, 2024