Khairy yet to decide on nomination for FAM president's post

Khairy said it was still early to make a decision because he would have to consider the proposal from all aspects, including whether he would have the time to carry out the duties of the president and the minister.

"I will discuss the option with all stakeholders, representatives of state football associations and others involved...before I get a clear picture," he told reporters after winding debate at the third session of the Youth Parliament at Dewan Rakyat, on Thursday.

Khairy said he has not received any official statement about his candidacy from the FAM but only came to know about such a proposal from media reports.

New reports claimed that the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) was among FAM affiliates to have nominated Khairy for the post of FAM president that would be vacated by Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

KLFA president Datuk Seri Adnan Md Ikshan said a decision as to whether Khairy would be able to contest during the FAM Congress on March 25, would only be known On Feb 20 which is the closing date for candidates to accept their nomination or not.

Apart from Khairy, other names mentioned as likely candidates are Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim who is the Johor Darul Ta'zim owner and Tunku Makhota of Johor, former FAM deputy president Tan Sri Annuar Musa and FAM Integrity Committee chairman Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.

Khairy said, if elected, he would have very little time to spare for the post of FAM president, due to his obligation and duties as the Youth and Sports Minister who is responsible to organise the SEA Games and the person tasked to carry out the 2050 National Transformation (TN50).

"If Tunku Ismail agrees for the nomination, I will withdraw and I believe Annuar Musa will also make a similar decision," he said.