Shahril makes final appeal to affiliates for change

KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Shahril Mokhtar, deputy president of the FA of Selangor, has called upon the 25 affiliate members of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to vote for change and prioritize Malaysian football over personal interests. In a letter sent ahead of Thursday's extraordinary elective congress, Shahril emphasized that the election presents an opportunity to restore trust and integrity following a series of scandals within the organization.

The document-falsification scandal involving seven heritage players played a significant role in Shahril's appeal for change. FIFA found the FA of Malaysia (FAM) guilty of using doctored documentation in eligibility submissions, while the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) subsequently upheld this finding. Additionally, the independent investigation committee chaired by former Chief Justice Tun Md Raus Sharif revealed serious failures in FAM's oversight, due diligence, and administrative controls, although they did not conclusively determine who was responsible for falsifying the documents.

FAM's shortcomings were further exposed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) governance audit, which highlighted excessive concentration of power at the top levels and a weakened system of checks and balances. According to Shahril, 66% of FAM's revenue originated from FIFA and AFC grants, while nearly 70% was spent on staff salaries and national team operations, leaving only about 30% for grassroots development.

Furthermore, Shahril alleged that trust funds meant for grassroots development had been used to cover internal secretariat operations, calling for a more transparent financial system and a professional secretariat that would serve FAM's affiliates.

Shahril has declared his candidacy for the presidency of FAM, vowing to bring about change during his term, even if it lasts only a short period. He pledged to operate the governing body transparently, emphasizing mutual consultation and collaboration among stakeholders. As FAM celebrates its 100th anniversary, Shahril urged the affiliates to prioritize the interests of Malaysian football and its millions of supporters above individual or group interests, stating that "football does not belong to us; we are merely its trustees."

The presidential race will pit Shahril against Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, with the winner assuming office for the remainder of the 2025-2029 term.