FAM speaks out for the first time about the crisis at the top, normal or abnormal?

The interim president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Yusoff Mahadi, affirmed that the sudden resignation of president Joehari Ayub was completely normal, because 'it was his personal choice'.

FAM is not obliged to explain any other reasons and causes.

In response to public opinion in Malaysia demanding that the country’s football authority, FAM, clarify and announce the real reason why Mr. Joehari Ayub suddenly submitted his resignation, instead of just the usual and simple health reasons. Thereby, also to end all speculations that could lead to unpleasant accusations, most notably the issue of recently naturalized players.

Malaysian football continues to be in great turmoil after FAM President suddenly resigns

Photo: Ngoc Linh

"This is his (Joehari's) personal choice. I cannot answer why or how because it is his own decision," FAM interim president Yusoff Mahadi said at a press conference on August 29, on the occasion of Malaysia coach Peter Cklamovski announcing the list of 29 players preparing for two friendly matches in September.

Mr. Yusoff Mahadi also reiterated many times that there was nothing unusual about Mr. Joehari's departure just after about 6 months since being elected as FAM President for the 2025-2029 term. He confirmed that the FAM Executive Committee, on Wednesday (August 27), unanimously accepted Mr. Joehari's resignation.

Since then, Mr. Yusoff Mahadi described everything at FAM after the shocking incident as still going on as normal, and called on the Malaysian football community not to continue to pry into anything further, "need to move forward" and look to the future.

"It's not a matter of fear. The answer remains the same, we have accepted his resignation for personal reasons," Yusoff Mahadi stressed.

The acting president of FAM also denied all speculations that there was a "secret hand" in the incident that forced Mr. Joehari Ayub to submit his resignation.

"According to the charter, after the chairman's resignation is accepted, the first meeting of the Executive Committee must officially record it. All must agree, and then they will decide who will hold the chairmanship until the next congress," Mr. Yusoff Mahadi explained.

According to the New Straits Times , Mr. Yusoff Mahadi can temporarily take over the position of FAM President for 6 to 7 months, because the congress is scheduled to be held in March 2026.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/fam-lan-dau-len-tieng-ve-khung-hoang-thuong-tang-binh-thuong-hay-khong-binh-thuong-185250830085744869.htm