Shahril Accepts Defeat, Vows To Contribute To Country's Football Development

PETALING JAYA, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Selangor (FAS) deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar will continue to contribute to the country's football development through his role with FAS and Selangor FC.

Although he lost to Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan in a straight fight for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president's post at the governing body's Executive Committee election for the remainder of the 2025-2029 term, Shahril said he accepted the outcome with an open mind and would not challenge the decision.

Shahril said he respected the affiliates’ decision and would focus on his role in domestic football matters.

"I won't challenge the decision. For the sake of football, I won't do it. My hope is that the work is done properly to elevate the country's football standing, everything is carried out transparently, and mistakes are not repeated.

"Football is my life; I'm not going anywhere. I am still in FAS and also Selangor FC. Today, the delegates have made their decision, so we have to respect that,” he told reporters after the election held in conjunction with the Second FAM Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) here today.

In today's election, Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Ab Ghani secured 20 votes to defeat Shahril, who received five votes, in the race for the presidency.

Shahril previously served as chairman of the Sponsorship and Marketing Committee and manager of the national Under-23 team, before relinquishing all positions in FAM in 2024.

Today's EGM also saw the eligibility of FAM Election Committee chairman Prof Datuk Dr Abdullah Mohamad Said being challenged, following a letter of objection submitted by FAS.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Datuk Seri Windsor Paul John, who chaired the meeting, said the EGM and the election process could proceed, while an appeal could be lodged regarding any objections to the appointment of the Election Committee chairman.

Today's election was held to reconstitute the FAM Executive Committee for the 2025-2029 term after the entire previous committee resigned collectively in January.

The decision to step down came after FAM faced an issue involving documents concerning seven Harimau Malaya players, which led FIFA to take action against the national governing body and the players involved.

-- BERNAMA