FAM likely to have new President in 2010

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) may see some changes in its leadership some time next year.

Officials familiar with the on-goings in football say there are clear signs which indicate that long serving President, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (picture) may step aside during or before the national body's Tri-Annual General Meeting sometime next year.

Sultan Ahmad Shah, 79, has been the President since 1984 and many credit him for bringing financial stability to the association. Under Tuanku's leadsership the national league went from amateur to semi-pro and now fully professional.

However, many are not happy with the performance of the national team and some have even called for Tuanku to resign.

But Tuanku made it clearf that he would not walk away from his responsibility and commitment to see football continue to be the number one sport in the country.

Many officials confirmed that lately there has been hints and signals that Tuanku maybe ready to step aside and hand over the leadership to a leader who is passionate about football and would bring soccer to new heights.

According to these officials, the new President is linely to be Tuanku's son, Tengku Makhota Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah whose is currently the Vice President of Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Tengku Abdullah is the President of Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) but his term would, coincidently, end sometime in the middle of next year.

Tengku Abdullah, 50, is expected not to defend his post as MHF President, a post he won unopposed last year. Tengku Abdullah had really wanted to help hockey but apparently some officials were not willing to change from their old ways.

Tengku Abdullah was the Deputy President of FAM but he resigned in May 2007 after being dissapointed with the performances of the national team.

The year 2010 may also see other new faces coming into FAM. The affiliates are said to be ready to see changes in the national set up.

According to officials, there is a possibility Windsor John Paul might be part of Tengku Makhota's management team. Windsor, currently FIFA's Development Officer who oversee projects in 21 Asian countries, maybe roped in as a Director of Operations and Development.

According to officials again, the winds of change are already blowing and the next few months would be interesting.