KUALA LUMPUR: National football team coach Kim Pan Gon has urged Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to reconsider his decision to "move away" from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
Pan Gon said Malaysian football needs Tunku Ismail for various reasons, including strengthening the national team on the Asian stage.
On Thursday, Tunku Ismail announced he will step back from the day-to-day running of Malaysia's most famous club. The Crown Prince of Johor said he has other responsibilities and commitments to focus on.
In a statement released by the FA of Malaysia today, Pan Gon said he was shocked by Tunku Ismail's decision.
Pan Gon said Tunku Ismail's reputation precedes him, as the South Korean had heard about the JDT owner even before his arrival in Kuala Lumpur in February.
"I hope Tunku Ismail reconsiders his decision. To me, it will be a big loss to Malaysian football if he decides to stay away from the game.
"In less than a decade, he has taken JDT to great heights, owing to his unbridled passion. At this point of time, Malaysian football needs TMJ," said Pan Gon.