KUALA LUMPUR — Will Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub secure the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidency unopposed?
With the FAM election congress set for February 15, the race for the governing body’s top position is heating up.
For now, Joehari seems to be the leading candidate, with no challengers yet confirmed. However, this could change as the nomination period remains open until January 16.
A source within FAM revealed to Scoop that Joehari has emerged as the frontrunner, particularly given his strong relationships with FAM affiliates and his extensive experience in football administration.
“Currently, he’s the only one contesting for the presidential role, and there’s no one else on the list to challenge him. But we never know – things may change, and several other candidates may emerge by the given deadline.
“But for now, one thing is clear: Joehari is the favourite to win the race.
“Joehari is the favourite to win the post, as he has a very good relationship with all the affiliates within FAM. They have great trust in his leadership and the way he handles his duties.
“He has been with the governing body for eight years and understands the ins and outs of national team football. He also has experience in leading state football associations in the past,” said the source.
Joehari has served as FAM vice-president since 2017, holding roles such as deputy chairman of the technical and development committee, manager of the national under-19 team, and board member of the Malaysia Football League (MFL).
The 59-year-old’s leadership credentials also include serving as the Sabah Football Association (SFA) president and deputy president between 2009 and 2016.
Currently, 18 FAM affiliates are eligible to submit nominations, following the recent suspension of the Perlis Football Association (PFA) and the Kelantan Football Association (KAFA).
Support for Joehari is growing, with current SFA president Datuk Shahelmey Yahya publicly endorsing him for the presidency.
The FAM election congress will also feature contests for other key positions.
According to documents cited by Scoop, football legend Datuk Dollah Salleh is vying for a vice presidency, while Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan and Datuk Ramlan Askolani are seeking seats on the executive committee.
The race for deputy president remains between Datuk S. Sivasundaram and Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, while the vice-president race features four candidates: Dollah, Datuk Seri Rosmadi, Saaran Nadarajah, and Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin.
Other candidates contesting executive committee positions include Datuk Mohd Hisamudin Yahya, Mohd Azizudin Mohd Shariff, Tuan Haji Zulkifli Che Haron, Hishamuddin Abdul Karim, Datuk Kamarudin Haji Hassan, Tan Chee Kong, and Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
Meanwhile, the role of national women’s football team chairman will be contested by incumbent Datuk Suraya Yaacob, Siti Faidul Maisarah Abdullah, and Datuk Fadilah Sarbi.
This election marks the end of Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin’s tenure as FAM president.
Hamidin, who has held the position since July 2018, announced last month that he would not seek re-election. — January 3, 2025