Johor sign development deal with Borussia Dortmund

Johor Football Association (JFA) president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (right) with Borussia Dortmund

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Football Association (JFA) are planning to expand their horizons.

The southern state have sealed a long-term development programme with top Bundesliga club side Borussia Dortmund in a bid to promote and raise the standard of the game.

JFA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said: “This is a long-term agreement between us and I’m serious about the development of football in Johor and I want to see it move up to the next level,” he said after signing an agreement with the Dortmund’s sales and marketing director Carsten Cramer.

Under the partnership, JFA and the German club will share football knowledge, training information, tactical ideas and exchange young players.

The Crown Prince of Johor said that his target was to see good results from this tie-up, which includes sending Johor players on attachment with top clubs.

Tunku Ismail said his commitment in the development of football in the state was not only confined to the Super League squad but also extended to the youths.

“We are looking at players aged between eight and 16 years old for the youth development programmes and I believe we have many talented youngsters in Johor,” he said.

Cramer said the club may have a friendly against Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in July.