by Gamini Perera
His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah of Malaysia, the President of the Asian Football Confederation since 1994 will be contested at its XXth Congress due to be held this year.

For the record, the AFC, controlling body for Football in Asia, has never seen a contest for the presidency since its formation in 1954.

The AFC Executive Committee will meet again on March 14, 2002 in Kuala Lumpur to ratify the nomination for the various offices in AFC and FIFA and will also confirm them, the date and venue for the XXth. Congress 2002.

Undivided attention

The AFC Ex-Co noted that Asia give its undivided attention to the organization for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

It was also of the opinion that the XXth AFC Congress planned to be held in Kuala Lumpur was expected to produce keen rivalry for the various offices of AFC and FIFA.

As elections tend to factionalise the Asian football family, the Executive Committee felt that it was unwise to do so before the greatest festival of football hosted for the first time in Asia.

The EX-Co also felt that AFC should remain a united family, demonstrating support and solidarity for the success of the World Cup in Korea and Japan.

Nomination forms

Nomination forms for the various positions up for election at the XXth Congress were distributed to the AFC’s 43-active members on February 10,2002. The forms are to be returned to the ACT Secretariat by March 10, 2002.

Sri Lanka is in the Executive Committee of the AFC with our own Vernon Manilal Fernando being a Vice-President of this august body.

Abdulla’s decision

In a related development, Mr. Mohammad in Hamrnam Al Abdulla, informed the Executive Committee of his decision to contest the Presidency at the XXth Congress.

Mr. Hamrnam a FIFA Executive Member from Qatar, indicated that he had discussed his intention with the current president, Sultan Ahmad Shah of Malaysia.

Mr. Hamrnam also expressed respect for Sultan Ahmad Shah, who he said had contributed to the development of football in Asia, but, felt that the time was right for a change in the presidency.

Sultan Ahamad Shah did not advise the Executive Committee of his own plans.

Mr. Hamrnam told a media conference that he had no intention to move the AFC Headquarters out of Kuala Lumpur if he was elected. He stated that a lot of money had been spent in developing the headquarters building or AFC House in Kuala Lumpur and it was in no one’s interest to move contemplate a shift. He also indicated that Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur was a control location for the AFC headquarters.