Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin believes his appointment as FIFA Council member is a huge advantage for Malaysian football in the future.
He was elected as one of five AFC representatives to the FIFA Council for the 2023-2027 term after a seven-cornered challenge.
“There are many matters that need to be put forward, so it will be an advantage for Malaysia when I am there.
Many things can be done for the future of football in Malaysia and Asia,” he said after the announcement of his appointment at 33rd Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress meeting.
“It will certainly be a very major responsibility for me to shoulder and ensure the development of football in Malaysia, ASEAN, Asia and the world. We hope everything will be for the betterment of everyone involved in football.”
That is why he admitted that the appointment was not a personal achievement but rather a victory for the nation and development of football in the country.
Hamidin, who previously served as AFC Executive Committee member, received 30 votes to win the post, thus becoming the third Malaysian to be appointed as FIFA Council member after the late Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah and Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Hamidin also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his support and encouragement during his meeting with the latter.
“When I went to see the Prime Minister, he encouraged me and wished me good luck to win. His support and encouragement was an important factor in my victory.
“I would also like to thank the Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim for his support right from the beginning and the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh as well all football fans in the country,” he said.
FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has also congratulated Hamidin on the latter’s success in winning an FIFA Council Member seat.
Infantino, who witnessed Hamidin’s victory during the 33rd Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress said, he is also looking forward to working closely with him for the development of football in Malaysia and globally.
“I am very happy Hamidin won in this elections. Being in FIFA Council is very important for Malaysia and all of us to be working together. We know each other since many years.
“Looking forward to the development of football in the whole region of Southeast Asia, Asia and the whole world,” he said.
ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) president Major General Khiev Sameth said Hamidin deserved to win the seat for his hard work and vast experience in football administration.
“He has been with us (AFF) for long time, warmest congratulations to him. This is the first time that ASEAN have three seats in FIFA Council,” said Khiev, who is also the Football Federation of Cambodia president.
Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Tran Quoc Tuan said, Hamidin’s victory is not only a welcoming news for Malaysia, but for entire ASEAN football.
“Previously he worked very hard to develop regional level football in ASEAN and Asia, now into FIFA. Very important because he can participate in FIFA meetings and try to find very good solutions for Asian football,” he said.