KUALA LUMPUR: Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) chairman, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has hinted that he wants to continue in leading the Malaysia League’s (M-League) governing body if he still has the backing and support of the 24 stakeholders during the elections which will take place when FMLLP’s Annual Congress happens on March 25 (Sunday).
Apart from this, Tunku Ismail wants to respect the trust and faith of the sponsors who may get disillusioned about their investments if there is a change in FMLLP’s leadership and top management.
"There is the possibility that I will remain with FMLLP because there are a few sponsors who only want me to manage and oversee the league’s finances,” said Tunku Ismail in a statement published on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page.
Tunku Ismail who voiced his opinion during a session together with Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) fans and supporters at JDT Café recently, also voiced his concerns for the FA of Malaysia (FAM) if he were to step down as president.
“I will leave FAM… only when… I have helped all the teams in the country secure their finances. I am working very hard now to fight for broadcasting rights and to attract sponsors.
"What worries me is if I step down, what will happen to Malaysian football? Will the troubles and problems of old before I came in to FAM return to haunt?” He said.
In NSTP reports before this, Tunku Ismail is said to be the top candidate of choice to continue leading FMLLP even though elections will take place on March 25 after the amendments to the constitution are approved.
At present, FMLLP’s chairman is automatically filled by the FAM president, and constitutional amendments are among efforts to separate the two footballing organisations.
Since leading FMLLP, Tunku Ismail has proved his leadership credentials by attracting major sponsors which include Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) who have committed RM480 million over a period of eight years and the provision of internet television Iflix which is estimated to be worth RM100 million over ten years.
From the new sponsorships, FMLLP have provided annual grants of RM3 million to each and every Malaysia Super League team compared to the previous grant of RM1 million, while Premier League Teams have also enjoyed an improved grant of RM1 million, which is double the previous amount.