No more race-based football clubs in Johor

JOHOR BARU: Race-based football associations in the state will be disbanded with immediate affect, said Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) football club owner and Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president said he made the decision to dissolve all Malay, Chinese and Indian football associations in the state.

“We do not need such associations. All football clubs shall be placed under the Johor Football Association (JFA).

“The Sultan of Johor has been making the state an example of unity, and therefore there is no need for different organisations when all can be affiliated football clubs under the JFA,” he added.

Tunku Ismail, who is also the royal patron of JFA, was speaking at the JDT congress that was streamed live on Facebook on Wednesday.

His decision came a week after Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar ordered the Muslim-only launderette in Muar to immediately stop its discriminatory practice or risk being shut down by him.

Tunku Ismail also pointed out that JDT was not merely a football club that competed in competitions held within the country.

“We are more than a club. JDT has become an exemplary component in introducing unity in the state.

“Regardless of your faith and your skin colour, you are Bangsa Johor and JDT symbolises that,” he added.