Top executive nominates himself for the head position of the Football Association of Malaysia

The President of Paralympic Malaysia targets the top leadership post at the Football Association of Malaysia to promote football reforms.

Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, Chairman of the Malaysian Paralympic Council (PCM), has announced his intention to run for the presidency of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) following the resignation of the entire executive committee.

Megat stated that his decision is motivated by the fans’ and public’s desire for reform, not by any particular interest group. He believes his leadership at PCM has proven that a team-based approach can yield results.

"I am running independently because I do not belong to anyone. Football belongs to the people, and I am part of the people. What fans want is a fresh face who can restructure the Football Association of Malaysia," he told Bernama.

Megat, who is also a board member of the International Cerebral Palsy Football Federation, said he will prioritize the views of the fans. "I am not anyone’s puppet. I listen to the fans. I am also a football fan, although I do not show it openly," he said.

Previously, last year, Megat declared his intention to run but withdrew due to time constraints. According to FAM regulations, candidates must receive at least six nominations from affiliated members to qualify.

Last month, all FAM executive committee members resigned to uphold the association’s integrity amid an ongoing crisis. The crisis began in September last year after FIFA confirmed that FAM and seven players violated Article 22 of FIFA’s disciplinary code. FIFA fined FAM 350,000 CHF (1,794,845 RM), while each player was fined 2,000 CHF (10,256 RM) and suspended for 12 months.

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