Malaysia's Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has declared that he will not run for the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) presidency if Johor Darul Ta'zim boss Tunku Sultan Ismail is keen on the position.
"If Tunku Ismail agrees to the nomination, I will withdraw and I believe Annuar Musa will also make a similar decision," Khairy told local news agency Bernama.
Khairy has emerged as another front runner to take over from the outgoing incumbent Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah after the Kuala Lumpur Football Association nominated him for the presidency.
The charismatic minister has until Feb. 20 to accept his nomination, ahead of the national body's elections on Mar. 25.
Former Kelantan president Tan Sri Annuar Musa and Putrajaya Corporation president Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat are the other names to be thrown into the mix.
But it is believed that Khairy, and the Crown Prince of Johor known as TMJ, are favourites among the affiliates.
However, TMJ has ruled himself out of the position numerous times before, citing that he is not suitable for the role as he still has plenty to contribute to Johor football.
Khairy has yet to reject his presidential nomination completely, indicating he needs time to mull over carrying the role on a full-time basis, in addition to his various other commitments.
"I will discuss the option with all stakeholders, representatives of state football associations and others involved, before I get a clear picture," he added.
The 41-year-old politician has plenty on his plate for 2017.
Besides his ministerial duties, Khairy is one of the key officials behind the organisation of the multi-sport Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur in August.
The politician has also been shouldered with the responsibility of carrying out the 2050 national transformation.
But Khairy has served in FAM before, having been vice president of the national body from 2007 to 2010.
He was also the brainchild of Malaysian football reality television show "MyTeam," which went in search of amateur players to train together and test their skills against the national team.