KUALA LUMPUR – The next Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president must be willing to step aside from any role that could create a conflict of interest, senior sports analyst Sadek Mustaffa said, warning that Malaysian football cannot afford further governance concerns amid its ongoing credibility issues.
Speaking to Scoop, Sadek said the principle must apply equally to both candidates contesting the FAM presidency – Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan and Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar – and stressed that the incoming leader must avoid any situation involving divided loyalties.
“Basically, there is a conflict of interest. However, this has been a practice within FAM for a long time.
“Personally, I believe that whoever becomes the FAM president needs to give his full attention to the governance and administration of FAM.
“Malaysian Football League (MFL), on the other hand, is a privatised body responsible for managing and running the domestic league. Therefore, professionally, Datuk Ab Ghani should relinquish his position as MFL president before the FAM presidential election takes place.
“The same principle should also apply to Shahril. If he is holding another position that could potentially create a conflict of interest with the FAM presidency, then he should also be prepared to leave that position.
“It should not be about one particular candidate. The same standard must apply to everyone who wants to lead FAM.”
Ab Ghani, who currently heads MFL, and Shahril, the Selangor Football Association deputy president, are the two candidates vying for the FAM presidency after former president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin opted not to defend the position.
The election, which covers the remainder of FAM’s 2025-2029 term, will be held during the governing body’s second extraordinary congress on Sept 17.
Sadek said the separation between FAM and MFL was necessary as both organisations have different functions, with MFL responsible for managing Malaysia’s professional domestic competitions.
The UiTM sports science lecturer said allowing an individual to occupy senior roles in both bodies could lead to competing interests, particularly when decisions involve league regulations, administration and the broader development of Malaysian football.
“There should not be a situation like this because too many conflicts of interest could arise when someone holds important positions in two bodies with different functions.
“If this situation does arise, then we have to ask the individual concerned where he stands when faced with a conflict between the interests of FAM and MFL.
“He must be able to clearly explain which role takes priority and how he intends to make decisions objectively.
“This applies not only to Ghani but also to Shahril. Whoever wins the FAM presidency must be prepared to put aside any position that could affect his ability to govern FAM independently.
“We cannot have one set of rules for one candidate and another set of rules for another.”
Sadek stressed that the issue should be treated as a governance matter rather than a personal criticism against either candidate, especially as both have highlighted the need for changes within Malaysian football.
Shahril has called for major reforms at FAM, describing Malaysian football as being at one of its lowest points and arguing that the sport cannot continue under the existing approach. He has also identified governance as a key area requiring improvement.
Ab Ghani, meanwhile, has acknowledged that improvements are needed in areas such as governance, football development and competition management, while saying he respects the election process and will leave the decision to FAM affiliates.
With both candidates pledging reforms, Sadek said the next FAM president must prove that change begins within the leadership structure itself.
“I am not entirely sure what the justification would be for someone retaining another major position while seeking the FAM presidency, especially given the current state of Malaysian football.
“Malaysian football is now at one of its lowest points, while the condition of the domestic league is also very concerning.
“At this stage, what Malaysian football needs is stronger governance, clearer accountability and a more professional management structure.
“We should not create a situation where questions over conflicts of interest continue to overshadow the reforms that are urgently needed.”
Sadek added that whoever takes charge of FAM must be prepared to make difficult decisions and prioritise the interests of Malaysian football above personal positions.
“If Ghani and Shahril want to lead FAM, then they should be prepared to demonstrate that they are willing to make sacrifices for the institution.
“Ultimately, whoever becomes the next FAM president must be able to lead without divided interests. That is important if we want to restore confidence in FAM and, more importantly, rebuild Malaysian football from its current situation.” – September 13, 2026