GAINING GROUND

support.

It is learnt that the FAs of Kelantan, Perlis, Perak, Terengganu, Pahang and Negri Sembilan are backing Annuar while Kuala Lumpur could also join his stable on Saturday.

Tunku Ismail has support from Johor, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, Malacca, Malaysian Indian Sports Council and the National Coaches Association of Malaysia.

Penang, Kedah, Police, Armed Forces, Malaysian Malays and Malaysian Chinese are believed to have not decided as yet on who to back.

If Tunku Ismail becomes president, the Johor Crown Prince is expected to make wholesale changes in broadcasting rights, the national team and the MLeague.

The race for the two deputy posts is also heating up with FA of Selangor (FAS) head Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal being a favourite to be elected. The other candidates are incumbent Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah and Malacca team manager Datuk Yusoff Mahadi.

FAM general secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin is predicting a tight finish for all posts.

“It will be very close, especially for the top post. FAM are highly regarded by local and international organisations in every aspect of administration, management and finance but the success of a football association is gauged by the performance of the national team,” said Hamidin at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

“The new president and his executive committee must look into elevating the standard of the local game. It can be done if affiliates, clubs and concerned parties work together.

“Qualification to the 2019 Asian Cup is a benchmark but the new committee must be given a chance if we fail to meet the target. We will know by November whether we can make it.”

On whether there will be changes in broadcasting rights and the management of Football Malaysia Liability Limited Partnership (FMLLP), Hamidin said the new committee will announce if there are changes.

Saturday’s election will see 39 delegates from 20 affiliates casting their votes for one president, two deputy presidents, four vice president and 10 exco posts.