KUALA LUMPUR — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has once again shown he is a man of action rather than just words.
After recently praising Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir for his exemplary leadership in improving Indonesian football, the Johor Regent promptly arranged a face-to-face meeting with him in Singapore yesterday.
Also present at the meeting were Persib Bandung owner Glenn Sugita and Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim, owner of Spain’s La Liga club Valencia CF.
“The discussion focused on football in the region, particularly the development of the game, club management, and ways to uplift football standards across Asean countries.
“Tunku Ismail also commended Erick for his work with the Indonesian national team and expressed optimism about the future of Asean football,” read a statement on JDT’s official Facebook page, Johor Southern Tigers.
Thohir echoed this commitment, emphasising the need for Southeast Asian countries to compete beyond the region and make their mark on global football.
“It was interesting to have a discussion with (Tunku Ismail) about the quality of football in Southeast Asian countries. We want Southeast Asian countries to compete at the Asian level and even up to the World level,” he said.
Tunku Ismail’s praise of Erick has previously been interpreted as a pointed critique of certain Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) officials, whom he believes lack the vision, commitment, and expertise required to elevate Malaysian football.
In a series of posts on X, Tunku Ismail voiced his frustration with FAM affiliates and members who, he claims, repeatedly elect officials unfit to lead the sport forward.
He also highlighted some of Malaysian football’s persistent issues, such as clubs struggling with financial mismanagement and failing to pay player salaries.
“Erick Thohir has the financial resources, knowledge, international connections, and passion. That’s why Indonesian football is moving forward – with better infrastructure, a stronger league, and a more competitive national team,” read one of Tunku Ismail’s posts on X.
JDT has been outspoken about the state of Malaysian football and with good reason. The club has led the way in the domestic game, winning the Super League title ten times in a row since 2014, and is widely regarded as one of the best clubs in Asia. — November 13, 2024