KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidential race could be heading for a two-way showdown, with incumbent honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin reportedly considering withdrawing from the contest just a day before the candidates are officially announced.
Hamidin, who had been regarded as one of the leading contenders for the country’s top football administrative post, is now understood to be unlikely to contest, according to a source familiar with the developments.
His possible withdrawal could leave Malaysia Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan and Selangor Football Association (FAS) deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar as the two remaining candidates for the FAM presidency.
The development adds further uncertainty to an election that is expected to reshape the leadership of Malaysian football following the mass resignation of FAM’s previous executive committee.
The source also claimed that another familiar face within FAM, who had previously been linked to a bid for a vice-president’s position, could make a last-minute decision to withdraw.
“There are indications that, at the final stage, the presidential contest could be reduced to just two candidates, while another familiar face from the previous FAM administration could also pull out,” the source told Scoop.
“That would certainly make this election much more interesting because several names that had been discussed earlier may no longer be part of the contest.
“But we should wait for the official announcement tomorrow. Most of the affiliates have already made up their minds on who they want to support, and at this stage, it appears that a ‘new face’ could eventually take charge of FAM.”
If Hamidin decides not to contest, it would mark a significant shift in the presidential race, given the attention surrounding his candidacy in the lead-up to the election.
The source said the uncertainty was not confined to the presidency, with several nominated candidates still having time to decide whether to confirm their participation or withdraw before the deadline.
The contest for the first vice-president’s position is also understood to have narrowed, with two candidates reportedly deciding to pull out.
That would leave three candidates in contention for the post, although the final line-up will only be known once the nomination process is officially concluded.
With several candidates still weighing their options, the final hours before the confirmation deadline could prove decisive in determining the shape of FAM’s new leadership.
Any last-minute withdrawal could significantly alter the balance of the contest, particularly for positions where the number of candidates is already relatively small.
The election is also important for FAM as it is intended to complete the 2025-2029 administrative term following the collective resignation of the previous executive committee.
The mass resignation triggered a wider review of FAM’s administration, with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) becoming involved in efforts to strengthen the association’s internal systems and governance.
The process followed last year’s controversy involving the alleged falsification of documents relating to seven players, which resulted in FIFA imposing 12-month suspensions on the players and fining FAM.
The leadership election is therefore being closely watched, with the incoming administration facing the task of restoring confidence in FAM while implementing reforms to improve governance, transparency and overall administration. – September 1, 2026