KUALA LUMPUR – The presidency of the Football Association of Malaysia is not a ceremonial post to be filled on a whim, but a high-stakes role demanding vision, resilience and serious financial clout, says former acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi.
Speaking to Scoop, Yusoff warned against treating the position as an experiment, stressing that any prospective candidate must arrive prepared from day one.
“This is not a role for trial and error. Whoever takes it on must come with a clear plan, structured direction and a deep understanding of the entire football ecosystem,” he said when contacted.
Amid growing speculation over potential successors, Yusoff raised concerns about whether corporate leaders or politicians — often linked to the role — are equipped to shoulder its demands.
“In the corporate world, it is not just about leadership on paper. It is about the ability to build strategic ties with the government and relevant ministries, and more importantly, the willingness to make financial sacrifices,” he said.
“With the global economy in flux, the question is whether they can consistently bring in sponsorship to sustain a long-term vision for football development.”
He was even more cautious when it came to political figures, pointing to the instability of Malaysia’s political landscape as a potential risk.
“Changes in government can disrupt policy continuity and affect the direction of sports bodies at the highest level,” he added.
Yusoff also dismissed casual talk about funding, emphasising that modern football requires sustained and substantial investment rather than one-off injections.
“Everyone can talk about money, but the reality is that football today comes with very high, recurring costs. It is not about occasional funding — millions of ringgit are needed consistently,” he said.
“Unlike in Western countries, we do not have commercial ecosystems driven by industries such as gambling or alcohol to support football. We need someone with real influence — someone who can open up financial avenues and build strong networks.”
In that regard, Yusoff pointed to Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ) as a rare figure who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the sport, having previously led FAM between 2017 and 2018.
“Regardless of economic conditions, he has remained committed and never walked away from football,” Yusoff said.
He added that the modern presidency extends far beyond administration, with constant public scrutiny becoming part of the job.
“In the era of social media and artificial intelligence, criticism and accusations from netizens are relentless. The president must be mentally strong and not easily shaken under pressure,” he said.
Should TMJ decline the role, Yusoff believes his influence should still shape the next appointment.
“If he does not take it, then the president should be someone who has his trust and backing,” he said, referencing past leadership eras under Tun Abdul Razak, Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah and Tan Sri Hamidin Amin.
With the FAM congress expected between August and September, attention is turning to possible contenders.
Among those linked to the role is Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, who has reportedly indicated a willingness to consider the presidency, potentially drawing support from multiple quarters.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has also thrown his hat into the ring, pitching a vision centred on inclusivity by integrating para football with the mainstream structure under a unified body.
As the race for the top job gathers pace, Yusoff’s message is clear: the next FAM president must be more than a figurehead — they must be ready to carry the full weight of Malaysian football. – April 20, 2026