Umno information chief Annuar Musa has withdrawn from the Football Association Malaysia (FAM) presidency race, allowing Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to win the post uncontested.

"I have decided to show respect to the other candidate, the Johor crown prince, so he can win uncontested and be FAM president.

"His commitment is a key asset to the FAM. The Johor sultan's support is also an honour for Malaysian football," he told reporters at the Parliament media corner this morning.

Annuar also denied allegations that he would have won the presidency, had he not withdrawn, as Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had lobbied for Annuar's win. 

"Such allegations are not only false, but can ruin the cordial relationship between FAM and the Youth and Sports Ministry. As a body which comes under the ministry, FAM must avoid something like that from happening."

Annuar said it is pertinent for the national football governing body to have a trustworthy exco line-up, which has good relationships with the government, and other stake holders. 

"The leadership which would be elected into office must have all-round support when they start on their jobs," he added. 

Taking all this into account, he decided to withdraw his bid for the presidency, Annuar said. 

"I hope he (Tunku Ismail) will be given the chance to do something for Malaysian football, and keep up to all his promises. 

"I had on Nov 16 last year, texted Tunku Ismail, suggesting him to contest for the FAM post. I had then promised to proclaim that he would win without contest. Today, I have kept to the promise," said Annuar, adding that with TMJ's presidency, the long awaited changes (in Malaysian football) and the crown prince's promises for the sport, will become a reality.

According to Annuar, he would continue to concentrate on the betterment of the Kelantan football team. 

"Other than that, I will also serve my main duty, which is to serve my constituents in Ketereh, Kelantan, as well as take charge as the Umno information chief to ready the party towards the coming general election."

Annuar also apologised to those who supported his bid for the presidency, and stressed that the decision to quit was made on his own volition, for the good of Malaysian football, and he did not consult or discuss with anyone on the matter prior.

Speaking to reporters later, Annuar said one of the reasons for his withdrawal was "excessive" competition in a small body like FAM, describing it as unhealthy. 

"That is why I did not campaign after being nominated for the presidency. Then Johor and Kelantan football fans will fight after reading blog posts. Football needs unity," he said, adding that he had personally notified Tunku Ismail about the withdrawal, this morning, but there is yet a response from the crown prince. 

He said his withdrawal is unrelated to an ongoing investigation against him by the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara).

Annuar also clarified that he is not "suspended" as Mara chairperson but "on leave" pending the investigation.

"I was not suspended, but told to go on leave. How far (is the investigations), I don't know, but as a responsible leader, I am ready and open to be investigated," he said.

Annuar had been on leave since Jan 31 following allegations that he had channeled funds from Mara and its subsidiaries, to the Kelantan football team.

He was once Kelantan FA president.