Who will be the right candidate to lead FAM?

Winds of change are expected in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) since a new leader is expected to helm the association when the FAM Council that meet on Aug 15 accepts the resignation of Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah as the FAM president.

The million dollar question on everyone’s mind now would be – who will be the most likely or suitable candidate to take over the 'hot seat' – more so when the governing body for football in the country has come under severe criticism recently.

The Tengku Mahkota of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim had been touted as the most eligible or qualified leader to steer the 'sinking FAM ship' but the outspoken Tunku Ismail had right from the beginning shot down such a notion.

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Tunku Ismail had also pointed out that the FAM President need not necessarily be a royalty or has any relationship with state football associations or clubs.

Former FAM secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Ibrahim Saad agreed with Tunku Ismail's views because he too felt top posts in the FAM should not be officials holding posts in the states.

"I too made such a proposal before that anyone holding a post in the FAM must not be associated with state associations because there will be a conflict of interest.

"The FAM leadership must give priority to the Nation's interest first," he told Bernama when contacted.

Former international Dali Omar, a top grade footballer in the 70s said there must be a major revamp in the FAM with old faces replaced by new enterprising officials who have vast knowledge of the game and certainly with expertise to ensure a structured football development in the country.

Dali said the right candidate for the job of FAM president should be an ex-international and not just someone with status or position.

"Having someone powerful at the top would only make it difficult for those in the lower ranks to express their views or opinion. They will be reluctant to express their opinion for fear that they will be 'punished'.

"What is happening in the FAM now is that no one is brave enough to criticise because they are not willing to risk their position. The FAM president should know how to manage football in total. He must be hands on and equipped with knowledge about football. He should be impartial to states," said the player who had represented a club in Australia in 1972.

Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (FCAM) president B. Sathianathan said a renown corporate figure like Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Tunku Ismail would be the most ideal candidates.

The president should have time for the association and dedicate his efforts to strengthen the financial status and ensure the administration of the association is the person’s main priority.

"The president must have a vision and a clear understanding of the short term and long term development plans," said the former National coach.

Malaysia is not short of corporate figures who have the capability to manage football since Tony Fernandes had owned English Premier League club Queen Park Rangers; Tan Sri Vincent Tan was the owner of (Cardiff City) while Datuk Dr Noordin Ahmad had ventured into Italian Serie A to buy (FC Bari 1908).