Sultan Ahmad Shah wins Second Term as AFF President

YANGON (22 Aug 2015) – His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah has won a second term as President of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF).

This follows the withdrawal of only challenger Datuk Worawi Makudi of Thailand just prior to when the election was to be held here at the Novotel Yangon Max Hotel.

In his acceptance speech, Sultan Ahmad called on all member associations to continue to close ranks and put the need of the ASEAN brotherhood above all else.

“I would like to thank all of you for your faith and trust in my abilities in electing me for another term as the president of the ASEAN Football Federation,” said Sultan.

“It is of utmost importance that there is a continuity in the leadership of a federation. As such it is important for us to recognise the leadership qualities of Major General Khiev Sameth.

“With his experience, I would like to recognise him as my deputy president and my replacement should I be unable to attend a council meeting and other committee meetings that I chair.

“With the election now out of the way let us put aside our differences and work together to develop the ASEAN football federation.

“Today’s agenda will be mostly to update you with the activities of the ASEAN Football Federation to date particularly in regards to our competitions and the latest developments especially with regards to AFF house.

“I am also looking forward to the AFF Awards ceremony later tonight as I have heard that the Myanmar Football Federation have worked hard to make this event a success.”

Earlier, Datuk Worawi took up the indication to withdraw from the fact that there will be no voting for the positions of the four vice-presidents of the AFF.

“I have tremendous respect for the Sultan. And I believe that I was the closest to the Sultan and I hope I will continue to be the closest to his Royal Highness,” said Datuk Worawi.

The four vice presidents of the AFF for the session 2015-2019 are Major General Khiev Sameth, Zaw Zaw, Dr Tran Quoc Tuan and HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah.

“Our football has a long history. And I laud the speech given by Datuk Worawi. It signifies our brotherhood,” said Zaw Zaw.

Added out-going AFF vice president H.E. Francisco Kalbuadi Lay from Timor Leste: “it has been an honour to serve these five years (2011-2015) to ASEAN Football Federation.

“Now we have to give the chair to the new vice presidents for them to take over. I thanked the leadership of the Sultan and also the contributions of everyone concerned throughout these five years.

“Solidarity is very important and ASEAN have shown the way forward.”