Tony says not ready to be FAM President

PETALING JAYA: Tony Fernandes is not going to stand as a candidate for the post of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President, at the next FAM congress, which is expected to be held in March next year.The AirAsia Group CEO confirmed this Tuesday, saying that he did not know enough about Malaysian football to qualify for the position, Goal.com reported.

"I don't think I've earned the right to be FAM President. I think I have to do something in local football first.

"I don't think I know enough about local football and I don't think it's right for me to be FAM President right now," he said at a press conference where he had announced the rebranding of AirAsia FC to Petaling Jaya Rangers.

He left the window of opportunity open though, saying that if he is able to develop something special with his team, PJ Rangers, then he might consider taking on a bigger challenge in local football in future.

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But for now, he said he wants someone who has contributed more to local football to take the helm of FAM.

"I hope the president of FAM is someone who has contributed to football. Not someone they just parachute in.

It must be someone who really understands football and wants to develop football," Fernandes said, according to the football news portal.

He emphasised that Malaysian players are as good as those from any other country in the world.

"We took Under-16 teams that beat Manchester United. That means, we have good enough players.

"It's about the administration and development, something seems to be missing. It has to be someone who really wants the job, is passionate about the job, who will give it 24/7 and will be strong enough to handle all the politics and just do what's right for football," said Fernandes.

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Fernandes was first reported to have been interested in the FAM presidency during an interview with Astro Arena in early September. Fernandes, who is chairman of English League Championship club Queens Park Rangers, had on Sept 8 reportedly told the news channel: "If I'm asked about taking up the presidency, I will consider it."

Two days later he denied his interest saying it was a long shot, and that his response to an impromptu question was blown out of proportion.

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