KUALA LUMPUR — As speculation grows over potential contenders for the presidency of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), a corporate member has stepped forward, expressing interest in contesting the election congress on February 15.
Former FAM marketing and social responsibility head Sayf Ismail has announced his intention to run as a wild card candidate.
Sayf, who positions himself as an “outsider” to the sport, believes his corporate expertise can bring a fresh perspective to FAM leadership.
“FAM leadership doesn’t necessarily have to come from insiders. It can benefit from diverse experiences, including the corporate sector,” the 45-year-old told Bernama when contacted.
Currently an adjunct professor at Universiti Malaya, Sayf outlined his vision to elevate Malaysian football’s competitiveness in Asia and globally.
His key priorities include ensuring transparent governance, overhauling the national football pyramid, enhancing the Malaysian League, supporting the Harimau Malaya squad’s transformation, and rebuilding stakeholders’ trust.
The election congress will see a new FAM executive committee (Exco) elected for the 2025-2029 term, with current president Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin confirming he will not seek re-election.
Prominent names such as FAM vice-president Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub and former FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah have also been speculated as candidates.
The full list of contenders for the FAM Exco election will be revealed by the end of January. — December 29, 2024