KUALA LUMPUR — With the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) election congress set for February 15, speculation is mounting about a potential return by Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin, despite his earlier decision to step down as president.
Vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub has emerged as the front-runner and only credible candidate for the presidency.
However, an FAM executive committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Hamidin may reconsider his decision and contest for a third term.
The source shared that the 60-year-old, who has served as FAM president since July 2018 and announced last month that he would not seek re-election, has been contemplating a return to complete his commitments with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
For context, Hamidin was elected as a member of the FIFA Council for the 2023–2027 term and has played a pivotal role in strengthening ties between FAM, FIFA, and AFC, particularly through the FIFA Forward programme.
This initiative has brought annual funding of RM30 million to RM40 million to FAM, supporting football development in Malaysia.
“Tan Sri’s influence has been significant in FAM since the day he joined. Without him, none of the achievements FAM have seen would’ve been possible, from the F:30 programme to the National Training Centre (NTC) project.
“His leadership has ensured strong relations with FIFA and the AFC.
“He’s currently considering a comeback, especially as the candidates for the presidency post don’t appear promising or strong enough.
“He also believes there’s more work to be done — an unfinished business with his blueprint for the national team,” the source shared.
The source added that Hamidin, who is also the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) deputy president, is under pressure from affiliates, exco members, government officials, and ministers, who fear that his departure could derail FAM’s progress.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has also expressed disappointment over Hamidin’s decision not to seek re-election, emphasising that several initiatives, such as the NTC, are at a critical juncture and could face disruptions without his leadership.
“Many are concerned that things may go awry if he leaves.
“Let’s see how the future unfolds, as the nomination list is still open, and we never know who else may come forward to contest for the hot seat.
“If more credible and football-oriented candidates emerge, Hamidin might change his mind. But for now, he is considering it,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Joehari, who has served as FAM vice-president since 2017, remains the leading candidate.
The 59-year-old’s extensive football experience includes roles as deputy chairman of FAM’s technical and development committee, manager of the national under-19 team, and a board member of the Malaysia Football League (MFL).
He also served as president and deputy president of the Sabah Football Association (SFA) between 2009 and 2016.
Joehari has gained growing support, including a public endorsement from current SFA president Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The FAM election congress, scheduled for February 15, will also feature contests for other key positions.
Documents sighted by Scoop indicate that football legend Datuk Dollah Salleh is running for a vice-presidency role, alongside Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan and Datuk Ramlan Askolani, who are seeking seats on the executive committee.
The race for deputy president pits Datuk S. Sivasundaram against Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, while the vice-presidency race includes four contenders: Dollah, Datuk Seri Rosmadi, Saaran Nadarajah, and Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin.
Candidates vying for 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.
The role of the national women’s football team chairman will see a contest between incumbent Datuk Suraya Yaacob, Siti Faidul Maisarah Abdullah, and Datuk Fadilah Sarbi.
With nominations open until January 16, potential new contenders could still emerge, adding to the intrigue surrounding the election. — January 4, 2025
