KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Football League (MFL) is expected to announce Stuart Ramalingam as its new chief executive officer (CEO) in the coming weeks, replacing Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan who has moved up as the president of the football body.
It was understood from sources in the football fraternity that the MFL board members have collectively agreed that Stuart is the right candidate for the job.
Stuart is expected to relinquish his position as the FA of Malaysia (FAM) general-secretary before accepting his new post.
“Apparently, it has been decided by the board members in a meeting recently. However, I believe the announcement will be made after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) appoints Stuart’s successor for the general-secretary position.
“Stuart is being roped in to clean up the mess in the MFL. For now, it looks like he is the best option as the football body is in shambles, and he can sort out the problems.
Meanwhile, the source added that the FAM have shortlisted two candidates to replace Stuart as the general-secretary and it is believed that both announcements will made simultaneously to avoid unnecessary issues.
“If they announce Stuart’s appoint as the MFL CEO first, then more speculations will be made regarding the FAM gen-sec position. So to avoid that, I think both announcements will be made together,” the source said.
The MFL has been in a lot of trouble since last year after some sponsors decided to pull the plug due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the historic Malaysia Cup.
Sponsors were not happy with how things were handled, and limited branding activation was the reason for the slash in budgets.
“Stuart has a lot of work to do when he gets in. It is not going to be easy, but it can be done if he goes in aggressively and clears the deadwood."
Ghani will be the acting CEO until the official announcement is made. – The Vibes August 17, 2021
