KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is set to grow even stronger with the anticipated return of guidance from the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
"I will not join FAM; FAM will join me," Tunku Mahkota Ismail remarked in response to an Instagram comment where a user asked when he would rejoin FAM.
Previously, Tunku Mahkota Ismail served as FAM president during the 2017-2021 term before stepping down a year later.
Recently, Tunku Mahkota Ismail hosted visits from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, and FAM president Datuk Seri Hamidin Mohd Amin.
Among the topics discussed were plans and developments for national football and the national team.
Earlier, during the 2025 Budget presentation, Anwar announced an allocation of RM15 million to support football development for the Harimau Malaya team, the Under-18 (U-18) and Under-13 (U-13) squads, in collaboration with FAM.
This funding aims to secure top coaches, provide high-quality training sessions, and offer suitable rewards for players.
Previously, media reports suggested a new initiative to elevate the Harimau Malaya squad internationally by proposing the national team operate independently or, effectively, be privatised.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail shared this concept on social media, detailing the system, roles, and organisational structure of the independent body.
However, FAM deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi clarified that this initiative is not privatisation, but a new unit under the FAM's supervision, which will be established specifically to monitor and manage the national team moving forward.