Hamidin, Ghani, Shahril reportedly set to contest FAM presidency

The race for the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) presidency is shaping up to be a fiercely contested battle, with three prominent figures in local football reportedly confirming their intention to run in the upcoming September election congress. Sources indicate that all three candidates possess extensive experience and have played significant roles in the administration of the nation's most popular sport.

Among the contenders is FAM Honorary President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, who has previously led the association and been instrumental in various football administration transformations. Also reportedly vying for the top post is Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, President of the Malaysia Football League (MFL), known for his broad experience in managing the local professional league. The third candidate mentioned is Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, a former FAM Executive Committee member and Deputy President of the Selangor Football Association (FAS).

"Among the names being discussed to contest are FAM Honorary President Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, as well as MFL President Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, who is also said to be ready to offer himself. Also on the list of candidates is FAS Deputy President Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who is seen as having credibility in football administration," a source told Mingguan Malaysia. The source added that all three candidates have secured the necessary nominations to contest the position.

The competition is expected to be more open following recent amendments to FAM's statutes. These changes include a reduction in the number of positions contested, a decrease in minimum nomination requirements, and an increase in the number of affiliated members. These adjustments are anticipated to create a more intense rivalry not only for the presidency but also for the vice-presidency and executive committee seats, potentially leading to multi-cornered contests. The nomination period closed recently, and all candidates are currently undergoing mandatory integrity screenings by FAM's Election Committee, which includes reviews by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), and the Malaysian Department of Insolvency (MDI).