KUALA LUMPUR: Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is seen as the potential saviour of Malaysian football, as many are pinning their hopes on him.
A social media page that scouts global football talent, recently stated his involvement. However, the Regent of Johor made it clear that he has no connection to these platforms.
He clarified that his sole focus remains on assisting the Malaysian government and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in the national team's development.
"I have no affiliation with anyone or any such pages. I was asked to assist the Malaysian government, the Sports Ministry, FAM, and to work with my own team to help the national team in areas like structure, training facilities, technology, exposure, and connections with successful football organisations I know," Tunku Mahkota Ismail said in response to an Instagram post.
Tunku Mahkota Ismail said that the nation's footballing future now depends on his leadership, arguing that others are merely talking without offering tangible support.
"If you think rationally and based on facts, I'm the only one you've got. Others are just talking, unwilling to offer financial support, and their networks are limited.
"I have the infrastructure, resources, and global connections with successful football organisations. I'm the only one you've got right now. Like it or not, I'm sorry," said Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
The Regent of Johor has taken it upon himself to spearhead a new era for Harimau Malaya. As part of his plans, he is overseeing a major overhaul of FAM's national team committee.
There is speculation that Australian football legend Tim Cahill could join the project as an international technical adviser.
The confirmed names in the overhaul include new national senior team head coach, Australian, Peter Cklamovski, who previously served as an assistant to Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou. And Nafuzi Zain has been named as the new national Under-23 head coach.