KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player Datuk Jamal Nasir has thrown his support behind Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), in criticising the shortcomings of Malaysian football.
On Sunday, Tunku Ismail posted on social media that the issues plaguing Malaysian football stem not from the sport itself but from individuals lacking the expertise to lead effectively.
The Regent of Johor also highlighted JDT's successes in raising the standard of Malaysian football in Asia, a sentiment echoed by Jamal.
Jamal pointed out that many clubs are faltering due to poor leadership, mismanagement and failure to prioritise player welfare.
"I agree with Tunku Ismail wholeheartedly. We cannot deny that JDT are the best club in Malaysia and have set the benchmark with their infrastructure, management and professionalism.
"But the ecosystem as a whole is struggling. Salaries aren't being paid, training facilities are inadequate, and some stadiums are in disrepair.
These are the real problems holding us back," Jamal said.
Jamal criticised club owners and CEOs for lacking the knowledge and experience needed to run football organisations.
"Most of the owners and CEOs in football today have never even kicked a ball. Education alone isn't enough if you don't have real knowledge about the game.
"Leading a football organisation is like running a company. Neglect your staff, and the company collapses. Without motivation or support, players and staff won't perform, and the organisation suffers," he said.
Jamal contrasted this with JDT's model, where players' welfare is a priority, featuring structured salaries and generous bonuses.
"At JDT, players receive bonuses for winning matches, and some don't even need to touch their monthly salaries. That's the level of care and professionalism we need in football management," he added.
Jamal said financial mismanagement and a lack of accountability at many clubs are tarnishing the sport's reputation.
"Club heads must understand their role — not just to find money but to know how to manage a team.
"Today, many clubs are in debt and this lack of professionalism is why our ecosystem fails to reflect true professional football.
"JDT have raised the bar, and Tunku Ismail is right that others are failing to meet it," he said.
Jamal urged football administrators to take responsibility and focus on creating a sustainable system that prioritises player welfare, financial stability and infrastructure development.
"Everyone has a role to play, starting with the right leadership. Teams must ensure players are paid on time, have proper facilities and are motivated to perform.
"Without these, we will never achieve the standards Tunku Ismail and JDT have set," Jamal added.