Corporate Figure Expresses Interest In FAM Presidential Race

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- While several prominent names are being speculated to contest the hot seat of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, a corporate figure has expressed interest in competing in the election congress on Feb 15.

Former FAM Marketing and Social Responsibility head Sayf Ismail, 45, said that he is ready to contest as a wild card candidate, offering his expertise to lead the national football governing body with a different perspective as an 'outsider' to the sport.

"FAM leadership does not necessarily have to come from 'insiders'; it can come from different sectors, which means bringing different experiences, such as from the corporate sector," he told Bernama when contacted.

Sayf, who is also an adjunct professor at Universiti Malaya, said he aims to enhancing the competitiveness of national football in Asia and globally.

Among his commitments are ensuring transparent governance, redesigning the national football pyramid, boosting the competitiveness of the Malaysian League, supporting the revolution of the Harimau Malaya squad, and regaining stakeholders' trust.

The election congress is set to be held in February to elect a new FAM Executive Committee (Exco) for the 2025-2029 term.

Its president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has confirmed that he will not defend the post.

Previously, the media reported that among the prominent names expected to vie for the coveted position are FAM vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub and former FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah.

The list of candidates contesting in the FAM Executive Committee election for the 2025-2029 term will be announced by the end of January.

-- BERNAMA