Al-Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, Tengku Amir Shah tipped as strong FAM presidential candidates
SULTAN OF PAHANG, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah; Johor Regent, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim; and Selangor Crown Prince, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah have been suggested as among the most suitable candidates to lead the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
The suggestion came from Kelantan The Red Warriors (TRW) CEO, Datuk Mohd Irwan Rizal, who believes royal influence is crucial in driving Malaysian football forward. He explained that the prestige of the royal household could also attract sponsors, given the sport’s heavy financial demands.
“For me, the best options right now are Sultan Pahang and Tunku Mahkota Ismail. Both have shown strong commitment to football historically. Tengku Amir Shah is also a respected figure in the sport. We should not underestimate the role of royalty in football, as they are highly respected by the people,” he told Berita Harian.
Speaking to the Malay daily, He added that royal figures could act as a “magnet” for sponsorship, which is vital for managing football. “The national game needs to be led by someone with high capability and respect, not only in Malaysia but internationally,” he stressed.
Al-Sultan Abdullah’s name has been repeatedly proposed to return as FAM President, especially after the entire FAM Executive Committee resigned on January 28, leaving all seats vacant to pave the way for restructuring.
FAM executive committee resigns en masse amid governance crisis
Although the date of the election congress has not been set, discussions are already heating up. Malaysian Paralympic Council President, Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, has also expressed interest in contesting for the presidency.
Commenting on this, Mohd Irwan advised that individuals without a football background should start from lower positions, such as contesting for an Executive Committee (EXCO) seat, before aiming for the presidency. “The intention may be good, but the approach might not be right. Don’t rush to offer yourself as president—begin from the EXCO level first. Anyone considering the presidency should think carefully,” he said.