KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia FA (PSSI) chairman Erick Thohir has invited the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who owns Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), to consider investing in Indonesian football.
This development follows recent comments by Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who praised Erick as a model of effective leadership that the FA of Malaysia (FAM) should emulate.
In response, Erick welcomed the compliment and invited Tunku Mahkota Ismail to explore investing in an Indonesian club.
"That's an opinion from abroad, of course. But if Johor is interested in investing in Indonesian football, we would welcome it. Both Liga 1 and Liga 2 are set for significant development as we aim to make them more professional," Erick told CNN Indonesia.
Erick, who also serves as Indonesia's State-Owned Enterprises Minister, highlighted how foreign investment could elevate the country's football landscape.
"If the Prince of Johor wishes to invest in Indonesia, we are open to it. Our football could rise even further with investment from around the world," he said.
Erick also touched on international partnerships through a "sister club" model, similar to those used by top clubs like Manchester City, who have invested in New York City FC (MLS), Melbourne City (A-League), and Yokohama F. Marinos (J-League).
"We've seen how Manchester City have developed sister clubs in Australia and Japan. Why not here?
"We need to explore this model, but it's also important to protect our amateur leagues, which local governments must continue to support by organising domestic tournaments," said Erick.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail had voiced concerns about the current leadership of FAM, criticising what he sees as a lack of vision, commitment and expertise within the organisation.
"Those in charge of Malaysian football lack the necessary knowledge and passion.
"In contrast, Erick brings financial resources, expertise and international connections that have propelled Indonesian football forward, improving infrastructure, league development and the national team's performance," said Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
He also pointed to the financial issues within the M-League, particularly the recurring salary issues, suggesting that poor management and external factors have contributed to ongoing financial instability.