It is with sadness that Football Federation Australia (FFA) learned today of the passing of His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, the fifth Sultan of Pahang.
His Royal Highness was a passionate football fan, serving as the President of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) from 1984 to 2014, the President of the Asian Football Confederation from 1994 to 2002, and the ASEAN Football Federation from 2011 to 2019.
The leadership demonstrated by His Royal Highness through a longstanding commitment and involvement in the administration of football at the highest level - in his home of Malaysia, the ASEAN region and the Asian confederation - contributed to the continued development and progression of football in Asia.
FFA President Chris Nikou paid tribute to His Royal Highness, saying: "I was saddened to hear of the passing of His Royal Highness this morning."
"His Royal Highness welcomed Australia, and it was under his leadership as the President of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) that FFA first became a member, at the 2013 AFF Extraordinary Congress in Dili, Timor-Leste."
"To this day, to be welcomed and included as one of the twelve AFF members has been a privilege and a valued opportunity for us."
"That day in Timor-Leste changed the direction of the game in Australia, allowing for further collaboration between us and other ASEAN Member Associations on and off the field."
"I would like to offer my condolences to His Majesty King Abdullah and His Royal Highness' family at this time, on what is a very sad day for Asian football."
