Football analyst shocked by 'TMJ's support' needed for FAM top post remark
Published: Apr 21, 2026 4:22 PM
Updated: 7:22 PM
A prominent local football analyst has expressed shock and concern over former Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Yusoff Mahadi’s remarks that candidates for the association’s top post must have the backing of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
“I am very shocked that such a statement came from an important individual who once served as acting president and deputy president of FAM.
“It clearly shows the existence of an unhealthy culture within the organisation,” Pekan Ramli was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
“Perhaps this was not visible to outsiders before, but now everything has been exposed. People now know what has actually been happening,” Pekan (above) added.
The popular analyst, who often appears on Astro’s football programmes, said Yusoff’s remarks appeared to confirm allegations of a “cartel” within national football.
Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim
“It is as if it confirms what fans have been saying all this time, that there is a cartel or ‘tokong’ (kingmaker). This is no longer just bullets - it’s now like guided missiles being fired at supporters.
“The situation is becoming increasingly chaotic, especially when the issue of seven players who falsified documents earlier has also tarnished the image of national football,” he added.
‘Not in line with Fifa’s rules’
Pekan also stressed that the claim about needing approval from an “outsider” who is not part of FAM’s affiliates is not in line with the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) regulations.
“In any sports organisation statute, including Fifa, it is clearly stated that there must be no external interference in determining leadership.
“So, when it is said that approval is required, that is incorrect and goes against the rules,” he said.
Pekan pointed out that the matter could potentially attract Fifa’s attention.
“It is as if it confirms what fans have been saying all this time, that there is a cartel or ‘tokong’ (kingmaker). This is no longer just bullets - it’s now like guided missiles being fired at supporters.
“The situation is becoming increasingly chaotic, especially when the issue of seven players who falsified documents earlier has also tarnished the image of national football,” he added.
‘Not in line with Fifa’s rules’
Pekan also stressed that the claim about needing approval from an “outsider” who is not part of FAM’s affiliates is not in line with the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) regulations.
“In any sports organisation statute, including Fifa, it is clearly stated that there must be no external interference in determining leadership.
“So, when it is said that approval is required, that is incorrect and goes against the rules,” he said.
Pekan pointed out that the matter could potentially attract Fifa’s attention.
“After this, Fifa will definitely look into it and may investigate the statement because they are very strict about external interference. The biggest stakeholders in football are the fans and the public,” he said.
‘Don’t question TMJ’s commitment’
Yesterday, Yusoff was reported as saying that the commitment shown by Tunku Ismail, who is popularly known as TMJ, towards national football should no longer be questioned.
Yusoff Mahadi
“If Tunku Ismail does not wish to hold the (FAM president) position, then the FAM president should be chosen from among individuals who have His Highness’ trust and support…
“However, the reality is that without the support of a figure who has a strong influence within the national football ecosystem, the path to success will inevitably be more difficult.
“That is the reality of modern football - not just about positions, but about strength, networks and the ability to move the entire system forward. Think about it,” he said.
“If Tunku Ismail does not wish to hold the (FAM president) position, then the FAM president should be chosen from among individuals who have His Highness’ trust and support…
“However, the reality is that without the support of a figure who has a strong influence within the national football ecosystem, the path to success will inevitably be more difficult.
“That is the reality of modern football - not just about positions, but about strength, networks and the ability to move the entire system forward. Think about it,” he said.
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