KUALA LUMPUR – The race for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidency has been narrowed down to a two-way contest, with Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan set to face Selangor Football Association deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar.
The contest was confirmed after FAM honorary president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin opted against seeking another term, opening the door for a new leader to take over the country’s football governing body at a crucial period.
FAM affiliates will vote during the association’s second extraordinary congress on September 17 to determine who will steer Malaysian football moving forward.
Ghani enters the race with years of experience in football administration, having led MFL and played a key role in overseeing domestic league operations, competition management and commercial development.
Shahril, on the other hand, brings a corporate leadership background, with experience in executive roles involving public transport and sports administration.
Speaking to Scoop, Shahril said the election offered FAM a chance to move away from existing practices and implement major changes within the organisation.
“I hope that all the voting members will really look into transforming FAM and Malaysian football,” he said.
“Malaysian football at the moment is, I would say, at one of its lowest points, so we cannot maintain the status quo. This is the opportunity for us to make a major change.”
He said strengthening governance would be one of the most urgent priorities if FAM is to rebuild trust and confidence among stakeholders.
“There’s a lot of improvement needed when it comes to governance in all aspects of Malaysian football,” he said.
Shahril also pointed to the controversy involving seven heritage players who were suspended by FIFA for document falsification, saying the findings of the Integrity Commission’s report must be taken seriously.
He stressed that addressing the matter would form part of wider efforts to improve transparency, accountability and governance within Malaysian football.
Ghani, meanwhile, said his decision to contest the presidency was motivated by the trust placed in him to help FAM navigate its current challenges, rather than personal ambition.
He acknowledged that improvements were needed in several key areas, including governance, football development and competition management.
“I see there is still much room for improvement, particularly in governance, football development, competition management, and ensuring the interests of all stakeholders in the national football ecosystem are given attention,” he said.
Ghani added that he would respect the election process and allow FAM’s affiliates to carefully assess both candidates before casting their votes.
“I want to respect the election process first and give room to the affiliate members to make their evaluation and decision,” he said.
He expressed hope that the election would result in a leadership team capable of bringing FAM towards a stronger, more stable and trusted future.
With Hamidin stepping aside, the September 17 congress will represent a defining moment for FAM as its affiliates choose between two candidates offering different visions and leadership styles for the future of Malaysian football. – September 6, 2026