Abu dhabi: Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah has expressed confidence in taking the helm of the Perlis Football Association (PFA), with a new plan to restore the glory of the state's football team, which has long been absent from the national sporting scene. Abu Bakar said issues related to the registration and selection of the PFA committee must first be resolved, adding that he himself is prepared to shoulder the responsibility as president of the association to chart a new direction for the advancement of Perlis football.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abu Bakar mentioned that the existing committee has yet to be formed and that PFA has not held an annual general meeting for nearly two years. He intends to start by addressing these issues, including announcing several matters, and he expressed his readiness to become the President of PFA if there are no obstacles. He conveyed this information to reporters after chairing the State Executive Council meeting at the Seri Putra Complex.

The Perlis football team, known as the Northern Lions, once made history by winning the Malaysia Cup in 2004 and 2006, in addition to clinching the Super League title in 2005. Abu Bakar also shared that he met with officials from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) last Monday, and the outcome of the discussions opened up room for various new plans to drive the development of football in the state.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakar mentioned that efforts would be made to find a solution regarding PFA's dismissal by FAM in September last year, including reviewing cost aspects and claims against PFA after the registration issues and committee selection are resolved. He emphasized that football requires funding and mentioned that although there will be no direct channeling from the state government, they will endeavor to obtain financial resources from other parties to assist PFA.

On September 4, 2025, FAM dismissed PFA as an affiliate member after the association failed to resolve issues related to directives from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), including the payment of outstanding salaries and contractual compensation to former PFA Football Director Matt Holland within the stipulated six-month period. However, PFA may submit an application to be reinstated as an FAM affiliate member once all issues have been successfully resolved.