KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidential candidate Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar has outlined a manifesto centred on transparency, leadership reform, empowering affiliates and ensuring the financial sustainability of the country’s football ecosystem.
Shahril said his main priority was to strengthen transparency in FAM’s management following issues raised in a recent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) audit.
“If we look at the recent AFC audit, there were many issues, such as leakages, a lack of transparency, and so on.
“That is the first priority. The second is a new style of leadership,” he told reporters at an event marking a strategic partnership between AFFIN Group and Selangor FC at Menara AFFIN, TRX, here today.
The Football Association of Selangor (FAS) deputy president said a culture of excessive deference to leadership must also be eliminated, particularly as FAM seeks to keep pace with the expectations of a new generation.
Shahril, who acknowledged that he remains the underdog in the presidential race, also stressed the need for a comprehensive review of the financial health of the football ecosystem, encompassing the league, clubs and affiliates.
He said his manifesto focuses on changes that can be implemented within three years.
The 54-year-old corporate figure said his nearly 30 years of experience, including a decade with Selangor FC, could be harnessed to drive change at FAM.
Shahril said difficult decisions would have to be made for the good of Malaysian football, adding that clear leadership, supported by a capable secretary-general or chief executive officer, could ensure FAM is managed effectively.
Yesterday, FAM announced the confirmed candidates for its Executive Committee election for the remainder of the 2025-2029 term, to be held during the association’s second Extraordinary Congress of 2026 on Sept 17.
Shahril will face Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan in a straight fight for the presidency.
Contests will also be held for two vice-president posts, as well as Executive Committee seats representing state football associations (FAs) and clubs (FCs).
-- BERNAMA