Johor-born individual once considered one of football's most knowledgeable man
A respected figure in Ipoh who died early this year
From Port Dickson he came 
The man from Kedah
Latest in line? It was in May 2008 that Datuk Paul Mony Samuel was featured in the World Soccer's Top 100 movers and shakers. The Kedah-born former teacher was placed in the exalted company of other influential people in the world game, the decision-makers, power-brokers and iconic personalities whose actions influence the way we watch the game and how it is played. Read here.
Soon he will no longer be moving and shaking at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The former FA of Malaysia general secretary is on a six-month medical leave pending retirement as the general secretary of the confederation.
Poised to replace him is Alex Soosay, an AFC veteran who was made the acting general secretary last month. He has headed headed several key departments in AFC during his 14-year-long career. The Malaysian has played and coached at the national level and was Executive Secretary of the Negeri Sembilan Football Association before joining AFC in 1994.
Simply known as Alex, the 48-year old was involved in the AFC Asian Cups of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007, and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Championship, 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
If Alex's appointment is endorsed and finalised next year, he would become the fifth Malaysian on the trot after Koe Ewe Teik, Datuk Teoh Chye Hin, Datuk Peter Velappan and Mony, to serve as the chief operating officer at the secretariat. Why did I say COO? Because the executive powers lie with the president, Mr Mohamed bin Hammam Al Abdulla. It was said that Mony was reduced to signing papers at the tailend of his tenure at AFC House since Hammam has a say in almost every aspect of the daily running of the office. Tough, eh?
But what if AFC goes ahead with the plan to relocate to the Middle East? Would it spell the end for Malaysian officials as well?
2 comments:
There wont be any need to move as there will be a new President soon.
For the Game. For the World.
i would like to wish alex soosay the best of luck.
he is still a true footballer and also a gentleman. almost all of the afc staff (past and present) speak highly of alex credential and professionalism.
yes at present, it is not the best of situation as the job is under the purview of the President, Mohamed bin Hammam.
i am sure alex would be able to apply decency and enhance efficiency as a true professional. i am positive alex would be able to enlighten the sky amidst of the dark cloud at the afc house.
we are hoping alex could continue the honour of being the focal point in Asian football and carry on the good work of the past AFC General Secretaries.
Post a Comment