KUCHING: Passionate about football, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman wants to bring the game closer to the people if given the opportunity to lead the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), with a focus on grassroots development.
The Kuching City FC’s chairman shared his vision for the future of Sarawak football, emphasising that the role of FAS should be redefined to better serve the community and nurture talent from the ground up.
“If given the chance to lead FAS, we have to relook at the role of the association and what we need to do.
“It’s not about forming a football team anymore; it’s about bringing football to the people,” he said.
Fazzrudin made these remarks to reporters when met at the soft launch of the Metro City Convention Centre (MCCC) in Matang on Friday.
He pointed out that such a shift would require a strong and supportive team to turn the vision into reality.
“I can’t do it alone. I need a very strong team behind me to make it happen. Only then can it be done,” he added.
Fazzrudin also clarified that FAS already has existing affiliates, including the Football Association of Kuching, which manages Kuching City FC, a team currently competing in the Malaysia Super League.
“The structure is there, and it will remain the same. But the role of FAS should be expanded to reach further into grassroots football,” he explained.
When asked if there would be any new team under FAS, the Tupong assemblyman gave a firm response.
“No, there will be no opening for new teams,” he said.
His comments follow recent statements by Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who noted that no one else has stepped forward with the same level of passion and capability.
Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, also voiced his support, saying Fazzrudin is certainly the right choice.
Current FAS President, Abang Zulkarnain Abang Abdul Rahman, recently announced that he will not defend his position at the upcoming 2025-2027 annual general meeting, which is scheduled to take place on June 14.
