KUALA LUMPUR – The next president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will need more than just football expertise to steer the national body through a critical period of reforms, sayid former president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Hamidin said the incoming leadership would be responsible for implementing recommendations arising from the recent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Quality Audit Assessment Programme, a process he expects could take up to two years to complete.
Speaking to Scoop when met at the Hilton Petaling Jaya yesterday, the FAM honorary president said the new president and executive committee (exco) must prioritise improvements in governance, administration and football development.
“The new president and exco must work 100 times harder,” said Hamidin.
“They cannot focus solely on the national team. They must look at the entire structure of FAM. To comply with the recommendations and requirements of the AFC and FIFA, these matters cannot be resolved overnight.
“I believe many of these issues can be addressed within two years.”
The FIFA council member also outlined the qualities he believes are essential for the association’s top post.
According to Hamidin, the next president must possess a strong understanding of football at both domestic and international levels, maintain close relationships with FIFA, the AFC and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), and be capable of working effectively with government agencies, affiliates, supporters and the media.
He acknowledged that while many individuals may possess some of those attributes, identifying a candidate who embodies all of them would be a greater challenge.
“There are many elements involved. Someone may have three of them, while another may have more,” he said.
His remarks come amid criticism directed at FAM after the AFC last Thursday released findings from its four-month Quality Audit Assessment Programme, which highlighted several areas requiring improvement within the national governing body.
Despite the scrutiny, Hamidin defended the previous administration under acting president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi, insisting that the audit findings should not be viewed as evidence of wrongdoing or non-compliance.
He maintained that FAM had operated in accordance with its constitution and within its financial means, while acknowledging that reforms were necessary to meet evolving international governance standards.
“What was done previously was not wrong. It was carried out according to the constitution and regulations in place at the time,” he said.
“However, football has changed. The AFC and FIFA now expect member associations to operate at a higher standard, and if we want to progress, we must meet those expectations.”
FAM is expected to hold its elections in September after its amended statutes receive approval from the Sports Commissioner’s Office. – June 8, 2026