KUALA LUMPUR – Could Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi be making a return to the top tier of Malaysian football administration?
The former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president has emerged as one of several names being linked to the vacant Malaysia Football League (MFL) presidency, potentially paving the way for a comeback by one of the country’s veteran football administrators.
Yusoff is understood to be among several individuals being considered to succeed Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, who is set to step down as MFL president after being elected FAM president at the association’s second extraordinary congress last week.
Ab Ghani secured 20 votes against five for his challenger, Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, and has confirmed that he will relinquish his MFL position to focus on his new responsibilities at FAM.
He had indicated, however, that his departure would not be immediate as he wanted to ensure a smooth transition and settle outstanding matters at MFL before stepping down.
A source from the football fraternity told Scoop that Yusoff’s name had gained traction as a potential candidate for the MFL presidency, although no decision had been made on his possible appointment.
“His name is being discussed, but at this stage, it is still only a possibility. Nothing has been decided and the final decision will rest with the MFL board,” the source said.
The source added that several other names were also being discussed, with the eventual appointment likely to depend on the direction the MFL board wants to take following Ab Ghani’s move to FAM.
Among those linked to the position is Melaka FC owner and president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad, who has received public backing from Kuala Lumpur City FC (KL City) chairman Syed Yazid Syed Omar.
Syed Yazid, in comments reported yesterday, expressed his full support for Nur Azmi to take over as MFL president if he is entrusted with the responsibility.
Former MFL chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Stuart Ramalingam has also been linked to the position, with previous reports suggesting he could be considered for a return to the organisation’s top leadership.
There has been no official confirmation, however, of the names being considered or who will eventually succeed Ab Ghani.
Ab Ghani had previously clarified that the appointment of the new MFL president would not involve an election similar to the process used at FAM congresses.
Instead, the appointment will be decided by the MFL Board of Directors.
Yusoff is no stranger to the upper echelons of Malaysian football administration, having held several key positions during his career.
The Melaka-born administrator has served as FAM acting president and deputy president, as well as chairman of the Amateur Football League (AFL), while also holding senior positions in Melaka football administration.
His potential return would bring a familiar figure back into the leadership structure of Malaysian football at a time when the domestic game is undergoing significant administrative changes.
For now, however, Yusoff remains one of several names being discussed, with the MFL board expected to determine Ab Ghani’s successor as the latter completes his transition to FAM. – September 25, 2026