KUALA LUMPUR — The Harimau Malaya naturalisation controversy took a different direction after project CEO Rob Friend clarified that Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, or TMJ, supported initiative to identify and fast-track citizenship for seven heritage players, but was not directly involved in the process.
Speaking at a tense press conference on Friday, Friend said the Regent of Johor had been the “visionary” behind the programme, though he stressed that TMJ was “not operational” in its execution.
“He’s not operational. He’s our visionary. He sets the direction and motivation. These players want to play for him,” said Friend, who heads the Harimau Malaya project.
The controversy erupted after FIFA sanctioned FAM for fielding seven ineligible players during recent Asian Cup qualifiers, citing incomplete or inaccurate paperwork used to verify their Malaysian ancestry.
As a result, Malaysia’s qualifying results were nullified and the players suspended pending review.
In response, FAM suspended its secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman to facilitate an independent investigation led by deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram, who chairs the newly formed review committee.
FAM’s leadership has since faced mounting criticism, with detractors arguing the association is being scapegoated for a project conceived and driven outside Wisma FAM’s direct control.
Friend, however, defended the initiative, saying its purpose was to “build a stronger national team”, and that TMJ’s involvement had been “inspirational rather than administrative”.
“I’ve seen things being said about him that are just not true. He’s been wrongly targeted,” Friend said, referring to the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) club owner.
However, TMJ’s own social media posts suggest a more active role.
On January 11, he wrote on X that we had “identified six to seven players” with Malaysian heritage and urged FAM, the Youth and Sports Ministry, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to expedite their documentation.
The post, accompanied by a photo of TMJ and Friend, indicated his direct endorsement of the project.
Friend’s comments have reignited debate over governance and accountability in Malaysian football — particularly the blurred lines between the Johor football ecosystem and the national team structure.
TMJ has not issued a formal statement addressing the controversy, aside from a brief post questioning FIFA’s decision to sanction Malaysia.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said it is monitoring developments closely and may open an investigation if new elements of misconduct emerge.
Meanwhile, the independent committee under Sivasundaram is expected to convene next week to begin its review. — October 19, 2025
***This article has been amended following a meeting with representatives of Tunku Ismail who clarified HRH role with regards to his support for the Harimau Malaya team.