KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) presidency has become an increasingly unattractive proposition for corporate heavyweights, who believe the role offers too little decision-making autonomy to deliver meaningful reforms.
Rather than a lack of interest in football, experienced corporate leaders are being deterred by what they perceive to be a governance structure that limits the president’s authority, according to senior sports analyst Sadek Mustaffa.
Speaking to Scoop, Sadek said prominent corporate figures are unlikely to risk their professional reputations by taking on the country’s highest football office if they are unable to lead independently or implement meaningful change.
“Corporate leaders do not make such decisions lightly. Before considering a bid for the FAM presidency, they would conduct extensive research, assess the organisation’s governance structure and weigh the potential impact on their professional reputation. They understand that the investment goes far beyond money – it also involves their time, credibility and personal commitment.
“Many of them recognise that, even if they were elected FAM president, they may not enjoy complete autonomy in making decisions or administering the association fairly and independently. Without sufficient room to implement reforms or make difficult decisions, it becomes increasingly challenging to fulfil the responsibilities expected of the role.
“For individuals who are accustomed to running organisations with clear accountability and decision-making authority, such limitations naturally become a significant deterrent. That, in my view, is one of the key reasons why we have not seen more prominent corporate figures stepping forward to contest the FAM presidency.”
Sadek said the perceived lack of autonomy also helps explain why familiar faces continue to dominate contests for the FAM presidency, with capable outsiders reluctant to enter a system they believe leaves little room for meaningful reform.
The Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) sports science lecturer also welcomed the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) proposal to broaden FAM’s membership by allowing Malaysian League and futsal clubs to become affiliates, describing it as a positive step towards a more democratic, transparent and inclusive governance structure.
“I believe the AFC’s proposal to open FAM membership to Malaysian League clubs, including futsal clubs, is a positive step towards improving governance. It would broaden participation in the association and make the electoral process more democratic.
“At present, decision-making is concentrated among the existing affiliates. By expanding membership and giving more stakeholders the opportunity to vote and contribute, FAM would benefit from a governance structure that is more balanced, transparent and inclusive.
“Ultimately, football clubs are among the sport’s primary stakeholders. Giving them a greater voice in determining the future leadership of FAM would strengthen accountability and ensure that decisions better reflect the needs of Malaysian football as a whole.”
Despite backing the proposed governance reforms, Sadek said he would not be surprised if the upcoming FAM elections once again feature familiar faces, as the existing voting structure continues to favour the status quo.
Three candidates have so far confirmed their intention to contest the FAM presidency: FAM honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, and former FAM executive committee member as well as Selangor Football Association (FAS) deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar.
FAM is expected to hold its election congress in September, where delegates will elect a new president and executive committee under the association’s revised statutes, although the governing body has yet to announce the exact date. – August 6, 2026