KUALA LUMPUR: Three names have surfaced as potential successors to Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub as president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), following his recent resignation.
Among the leading candidates is Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, a long-serving figure in Malaysian football.
Yusoff has held the post of FAM Deputy President since 2017 and currently chairs the Amateur Football League (AFL).
He also manages the Harimau Malaya squad, chairs the Local Competitions Committee, and serves as Deputy President of the Melaka Football Association.
Another strong contender is former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar, who was FAM Deputy President from 2007 to 2010.
Khairy’s close ties with the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, could play to his advantage.
He currently serves as Johor’s Youth Advisor and sits on the board of Johor Darul Ta’zim Football Club (JDT).
Also in the mix is businessman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, who is believed to have the financial influence to strengthen FAM’s resources if appointed.
Local football analyst Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim said the ideal candidate must demonstrate not just passion for the sport but also financial acumen and strong political connections.
“To choose a FAM president, a person must not only have passion, but also the ability to bring in funds for football,” he said.
“In this regard, I believe Farhash has that capability. He has good relations with the government and with business tycoons such as (Tan Sri) Vincent Tan.
“Yusoff is also a strong candidate, as is Khairy (KJ). Some might say their time has passed, but their experience is invaluable in efforts to bring change to Malaysian football.”
Joehari reportedly submitted his resignation letter last Friday.
The presidential office has been vacated and a special meeting is scheduled to confirm the resignation.
He was elected unopposed during the FAM Congress in February for the 2025–2029 term.
Previously a vice president, he became the association’s eighth president and the first from Sabah, succeeding Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Yusoff is expected to serve as acting president until a fresh election is held.
Notably, he had previously filled the role in an interim capacity in 2018, following Tunku Ismail’s departure.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
