The Malaysian Football Association (FAM) could see a new leader soon, with three potential candidates emerging after the resignation of Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub.
One strong contender is a familiar face in the country’s football scene, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, who has served as FAM Deputy President since 2017. Yusoff also holds a range of key positions, including Chairman of the Amateur Football League (AFL), manager of the Harimau Malaya squad, Chairman of the Local Competition Committee, Deputy President of the Melaka Football Association, and more, giving him extensive experience in football administration.
Another frontrunner is former Youth and Sports Minister and ex-FAM Deputy President (2007–2010), Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar. Khairy’s close ties with the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, and his current roles as Johor Youth Advisor and member of the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Football Club board, are seen as potential advantages in leading FAM.
The third name is prominent businessman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, who is believed to have the financial capability to generate substantial resources for FAM if given the opportunity to lead.
According to local football observers, candidates for the FAM presidency should demonstrate strong financial management skills and solid political networks. Prof. Madya Dr. Zulakbal Abd Karim, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), noted that Farhash is a fresh candidate worth considering alongside seasoned figures Yusoff and Khairy.
“To select a FAM president, it’s not just about passion, but also the ability to bring in funding for football,” Dr. Zulakbal explained. “Farhash has the potential to do this, given his strong ties with the government and prominent local business figures like Tan Sri Vincent Tan. Yusoff and Khairy are also good candidates. While some may say their era has passed, their experience is invaluable for driving change in Malaysian football.”
Datuk Joehari reportedly submitted his resignation letter last Friday, and the president’s office has been vacated this week. A special meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss and confirm the resignation.
Joehari was previously appointed FAM president after winning uncontested in the 2025–29 FAM Election Congress held in February. He became the eighth FAM president and the first from Sabah to lead the national football body, succeeding Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Yusoff is expected to serve as acting president until a new FAM election congress is convened. Interestingly, he previously held the acting president role in 2018 after Tunku Mahkota Ismail stepped down.
