KUALA LUMPUR: Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has detailed the attributes needed for the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the national football team, focusing on the importance of experience, industry connections and a comprehensive understanding of the game.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) club owner said that the CEO must be a professional capable of balancing technical, commercial and interpersonal aspects of football while driving the long-term progress of Harimau Malaya.
"The CEO of the national team must understand football professionally and relate to its technical, commercial, and interpersonal aspects," said Tunku Mahkota Ismail.
He added that the ideal candidate should have strong connections with influential figures in the football world to pave the way for Harimau Malaya's success.
"He must be well-connected in the football industry, with strong ties to successful football personalities, to chart Harimau Malaya's path."
The Regent also said the CEO should have a high-level playing background and entrepreneurial skills to boost the team's commercial interests.
"He must have played at a high level and be an entrepreneur capable of driving Harimau Malaya's commercial interests."
Additionally, he said the CEO must collaborate with the domestic league to ensure policies that indirectly enhance the national team's standards.
"A strong league with well-managed teams will lift Malaysian football standards," he said.
"The CEO must be able to advise the league on policies to achieve this."
His remarks come amid discussions about the future direction of Malaysian football and the potential restructuring of leadership within the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
Speculation is rife, with images of KL City CEO Stanley Bernard alongside TMJ circulating online, sparking rumours that he fits the described profile.
However, the official announcement is eagerly awaited to confirm the next step for Harimau Malaya's setup.