{
  "id": 7508909,
  "title": "Respected coach Hodak backs Ghani for FAM's No.1 post",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/respected-coach-hodak-backs-ghani-for-fams-no-1-post",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-15T08:33:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1533341/respected-coach-hodak-backs-ghani-fams-no1-post"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Under-19 national coach Bojan Hodak has expressed his support for Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan's candidacy for the presidency of the FA of Malaysia (FAM). Ghani is currently contesting against Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, the deputy president of the Selangor FA, in Thursday's FAM election. Hodak, known for his success in the M-League as a top coach, cited his two years of working with Ghani as the Under-19 team manager during Hodak's coaching tenure. Hodak emphasized that Ghani would never interfere in the team's affairs but would be readily available to offer assistance whenever needed. He highlighted Ghani's dedication to the team's preparedness, ensuring that both the coaching staff and players had the best possible conditions for preparation without any distractions. Hodak believes Ghani is more deserving of the FAM presidency due to his selfless commitment to the team, going beyond managing their needs to ensuring the coaching staff could focus on their responsibilities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Former national Under-19 coach Bojan Hodak has backed Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) presidency.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bojan Hodak supports Ab Ghani Hassan for FAM presidency.",
    "Hodak worked with Ghani for two years as Under-19 manager.",
    "Ghani's selflessness and dedication make him ideal candidate."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}