By Andrew Warshaw
September 14 – He was only elected to FIFA’s inner circle at the end of April but Malaysia’s Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (pictured) has announced he is stepping down as president of his country’s federation.
Tengku Abdullah said in a statement that “exasperating circumstances” had forced his “untimely exit”.
These, he made clear, referred to Malaysia’s record 10-0 thrashing by the United Arab Emirates earlier this month and the crowd trouble which forced last week’s World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia to be abandoned.
“My decision to resign as president of FAM was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life as a football official,” said Tengku Abdullah who wants his deputy Datuk Afandi Hamzah to take over as acting president. “It wasn’t easy as I had to step down even before my aspirations and dream for Malaysian football, are fulfilled.” “
“As unfortunate as it may seem, our efficiency is judged by the success or failure of the national team. As much as it may seem unfair, but that is the reality of the situation, and I graciously accept it.”
Tengku Abdullah was only elected FAM president last year but will now sit on FIFA’s executive committee without a major role back home. He is expected to continue to press for more places for Asia at future World Cups.
“I am duty-bound and professionally obligated to leave FAM after putting it in a respectable position. The last thing I want is for my successor to inherit a sinking ship. That would be both unfair and unprofessional,” he said.
“Which is why, I am compelled by my professional ethics to set a few things right, before I make my exit. I will be leaving with a very heavy heart. Football has always been my passion, and has run in my veins for as far back as I remember. It may not seem much right now, but in this short year of my presidency I have placed a plan for the betterment of Malaysian football, and I hope one day, we will all be able to see the fruits of my labour.”
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