Yusoff Mahadi described Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim's resignation as FAM president as a big loss to the national football body.

Even though the Crown Prince of Johor held the postion for only one year, the FAM deputy president said the decision, which was made effective immediately after the second congress of the Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) on Sunday, evoked sadness not only for him personally but also for all FAM exco members.

“We are shocked and sad with the decision made by Tunku Ismail and the feelings are shared by all FAM exco members," he told reporters after the congress.

“The FAM secretariat will be calling for a special meeting involving all exco members in July to discuss the resignation of Tunku Ismail as FAM president."

According to Yusoff, even though Tunku Ismail resigned as FAM president, he would still be involved in the local football scene especially through the Malaysia Football League (MFL).

The MFL was a rebranding exercise of FMLLP, which, as highlighted by Yusoff, was aimed at separating the body from the FAM to ensure no overlapping duties and the organisation is independent of the national football association.

“We have to see the rebranding of FMLLP from the positive aspect with Tunku Ismail leading the MFL as it will help improve the body to be more professional, similar to the English Premier League and La Liga," he added.

“It is also important from the sponsorship aspect and we are confident with the leadership of Tunku Ismail to attract more sponsors and generate more funds for all competing teams."