KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Abdul Ghani Hassan has dismissed claims that candidates for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidency require the backing of Johor Darul Ta’zim owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (TMJ), calling the notion unusual and inconsistent with the governing body’s election process.
Ghani stressed that the selection of the next FAM president must rest solely with the affiliates of the association, and not be influenced by any individual or external endorsement.
“It appears that the politics for the FAM Exco elections has already begun,” said Ghani when contacted.
“It is rather unusual that former acting FAM president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi said that presidential candidates need to get the blessing of TMJ, when in fact the decision on who becomes the new president lies with representatives of all FAM affiliates.”
He further suggested that such remarks could be interpreted as an attempt to shape perceptions among voters.
“Perhaps he is trying to send a message or shape a narrative to voters that he, as a former acting president, had previously obtained such a blessing. I believe that such a ‘blessing’ does not exist.”
Ghani clarified that Yusoff’s comments should be viewed as personal opinion and not reflective of the current situation within FAM.
“His view is his personal opinion and does not represent the real situation in FAM, which currently does not have any appointed executive committee members,” he said.
At the same time, Ghani emphasised that Malaysian football requires leadership capable of working collaboratively across the entire ecosystem, including key stakeholders such as TMJ, who owns one of the country’s leading clubs.
“Malaysian football needs a president who can work with all stakeholders, including TMJ as the pillar of the biggest club in Malaysia,” he said.
Previously, Yusoff had stated that candidates for the FAM presidency should have the support of the Johor Regent, arguing that the position demands more than symbolic leadership.
He added that any aspiring candidate must be fully prepared with a clear vision, structured planning, and a deep understanding of the national football landscape, rather than adopting a trial-and-error approach. – April 22, 2026