Hamidin first to throw his hat into the ring

two of his challengers are still holding back, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has taken the first step by accepting his nomination to contest for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) president’s post.

Hamidin, also the secretarygeneral of FAM, submitted his verification form on Friday.

Former Kelantan FA (Kafa) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa and National Sports Institute (NSI) chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi have yet to submit their forms.

“I have given the verification forms to both (Annuar and Azim) candidates but they have asked for more time. They have until June 14 to submit the forms,” said FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi.

“I think they need more time to think about it. It is good that Hamidin has confirmed his intention to contest.”

The association’s congress on July 14 could be an exciting affair if there is a contest for the top post. The hot seat became vacant following Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s resignation on April 2.

“We have to see what happens because the closing date to submit the verification forms is still far off.

“An announcement will only be made on June 14, and if there is no contest, Hamidin will officially be elected uncontested as president on July 14,” Yusoff added.

Hamidin, who became the secretary-general in 2013, has served under three FAM presidents — Sultan Ahmad Shah, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Tunku Ismail.