KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 — Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin has decided against seeking a return as Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president despite reportedly receiving the most nominations and majority support from affiliates.

Hamidin, who is FAM honorary president, said the decision was not an easy one but was made after considering the interests of the governing body and the future of Malaysian football.

The former FAM president also apologised to affiliates and Malaysian football supporters who had placed their trust in him.

“I deeply appreciate the support I have received. To me, it represents a great responsibility and trust from the Malaysian football family, which I have always held in the highest regard.

“However, after considering the interests of FAM and the future of Malaysian football as a whole, I believe this decision provides the best opportunity for FAM to enter a new era, while ensuring the organisation we love remains focused and continues moving forward,” he said in a statement today.

At the same time, Hamidin said he did not want the FAM election to cause divisions among affiliates or disrupt the governing body’s football reform and development agenda.

Instead, he wants FAM to remain strong and united while rebuilding public confidence, particularly among Malaysian football supporters.

“What matters most to me now is ensuring a smooth leadership transition and allowing the next leadership to focus fully on building the future of Malaysian football,” he said.

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.

Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan will face Football Association of Selangor (FAS) deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar 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).

Hamidin, who is also a Fifa Council member, served as FAM president from 2018 to 2025 before being appointed honorary president in June last year.

Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub succeeded Hamidin as FAM president but held the position for only a few months before resigning last month. — Bernama