Kuala lumpur: Datuk Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub's recent resignation from his position as the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) was solely a personal decision, clarified the acting president of FAM, Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi. He emphasized that there was no external influence or 'unknown hand' involved in Mohd Joehari's choice to step down from the leading role of the national football governing body.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Yusoff stated at a press conference that the decision was entirely Mohd Joehari's own. "This is his (Mohd Joehari's) personal decision... Why and how, I can't answer what it is," he remarked. He further stressed the importance of adherence to the FAM constitution, stating, "We will bring it to the meeting, everyone agrees and respects his decision."

FAM confirmed on Wednesday that Mohd Joehari had expressed his intention to resign through a formal letter. Consequently, the FAM Executive Committee convened a special meeting for the 2025-2029 term at Wisma FAM Kelana Jaya, chaired by Mohd Yusoff as the deputy president, to discuss the resignation.

In accordance with the FAM Statute, the Executive Committee agreed to appoint Mohd Yusoff as the acting president immediately. As per Article 42 Paragraph 7 of the statute, if the presidential position is vacated, the longest-serving deputy president assumes the role until the next congress, scheduled for the following year.

Previously, Mohd Joehari served as the vice president and was the eighth individual to assume the FAM presidency, being the first from Sabah to lead as the national football chief. He succeeded Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin after an uncontested win at the FAM Electoral Congress for the 2025-2029 term in February.

Regarding speculation about potential candidates for the next FAM president, such as former national football player Safee Sali or former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Mohd Yusoff dismissed these as mere speculation from external parties. He noted that the ultimate decision lies with the affiliates, particularly as the congress approaches.