KUALA LUMPUR – Newly appointed Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Mohd Ayub has pledged to tighten FAM’s oversight of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) administration, working closely with affiliates and stakeholders to resolve long-standing issues.
Speaking to reporters after securing the position unopposed, Joehari stressed that while MFL has operated as an independent body since 2018, FAM must take a more active role in protecting the integrity of Malaysian football, particularly in light of ongoing salary disputes affecting clubs.
“We understand that MFL has been independent for years, but we want to be more involved in finding solutions to the ongoing issues that have been damaging the image of football in our country.
“We need to develop a new structure to address these problems, and FAM will play a significant role in advising many of our affiliates and clubs on behalf of MFL.
“I’m not saying MFL has been doing a bad job, but I personally feel they need more support from our side.
“Under my leadership, I want to change the perception that FAM is only concerned with governing the national team. I want us to be more involved in all matters that contribute to the betterment of the football landscape in this country,” Joehari said at a press conference after the 61st FAM Congress.
Joehari, who has previously served two terms as vice president, acknowledged that he will have a challenging task ahead in stepping into the role of former president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin and continuing his legacy for the governing body.
“I would describe Tan Sri as the father of Malaysian football, and of course, it’s not going to be easy for me to live up to what he has created over the years. However, Tan Sri has laid a strong foundation for FAM, and it’s my duty to continue everything he started.
“Of course, as president, I also want to create my own legacy, such as developing a programme similar to the F:30 roadmap. But I prefer not to rush anything and to take things one step at a time.
“My main focus for now, regarding Harimau Malaya, is to ensure that the newly revamped and heavily invested national team department operates efficiently without any hiccups.
“We will be making several announcements in the next two weeks after our executive council meeting regarding the players who are being naturalised for the national team, the full coaching setup for national head coach Peter Cklamovski, and the designations of all newly appointed exco members,” he added.
Alongside Joehari, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi and Datuk S. Sivasundaram also won uncontested for the two deputy president posts, securing their third consecutive term in office. — February 15, 2025