We need leaders like Idris, Shahril if FAM hope for transformation

A STAY of execution is not exoneration.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) recent ruling is temporary. It allows the seven mixed-heritage players to continue fulfilling their professional duties while the legal process runs its course - nothing more, nothing less.

It is not a vindication, as though Malaysian football has somehow escaped accountability. It has not.

Yes, the players are back on the field. But the hearing is not over. The verdict has not been delivered. To declare victory now reflects either a misunderstanding of the process or a deliberate distortion of it.

This temporary reprieve does nothing to diminish the gravity of what Malaysian football is confronting.

This crisis was never solely about the seven players, who are facing the music over doctored documents.

No one yet knows what consequences await when the final ruling arrives.

That this saga unfolds during the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) centenary year borders on tragic irony.

A hundred years of history, yet still haunted by the same unresolved questions - who holds power, who checks it, and why accountability so often arrives last.

Throughout this crisis, transparency has too often been treated as a threat rather than a foundation.

The mass recent resignation of the FAM executive committee may appear decisive.

National legends such as Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan and Datuk Dollah Salleh had only recently joined the committee, only now to face the ignominy of collective walkout.

Their decision to step down alongside their colleagues has been hailed by some.

Still, they would understandably feel hard done by, unable to contribute their expertise, particularly on the technical side, before circumstances overtook them.

What is next?

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will audit the organisation with the hope of reforming FAM’s ways and ensure they can hold a stronger century after this.

But questions remain. Will familiar faces simply reshuffle seats? Will power quietly recycle itself?

Or will Malaysian football finally choose transformation over preservation?

Leadership now matters more than ever – who will be the right fit?

The next custodians must be rooted in competence, courage and independence.

Figures such as Datuk Seri Idris Jala offers an example of transformational leadership built on accountability, measurable outcomes and coalition-building.

His work at Pemandu, Malaysia Airlines and Shell demonstrated how deeply troubled systems can be rebuilt through clarity, discipline and purpose.

His belief in tackling the ‘game of the impossible’ feels especially relevant at a moment when FAM require a complete internal reset, free from interference.

Even if he does not become the president, one should steer him to head a reform committee.

Another name worth consideration is Shahril Hamdan.

Recognised as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader in 2023, his composure, clarity of thought and systems-driven background reflect qualities Malaysian football has long lacked.

His experience as a former McKinsey consultant suggests structure, independence and, crucially, the willingness to ask uncomfortable questions.

But it all lies in the hands of the affiliates and I hope these 20 establishments can come to a decision that focuses on proper governance that leads to brighter days in our game.

Whether these individuals like Idris or Shahril feature or not, the principle remains unchanged.

This reset must be anchored in transparency and accountability.

We need a system that builds minds, not breaks them. One that teaches integrity before trophies, and fairness alongside flair.

The questions will come, uncomfortable ones, if necessary, not to tear the game down, but to understand it better and, hopefully, help rebuild it.

Malaysian football does not need another moment of spin.

It needs truth. And this reset could be our final chance to salvage something.