PETALING JAYA: Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim clarifies his role in the ongoing evolution of Harimau Malaya, Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.
According to the Johor Regent, he was asked to assist the government, the Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in enhancing and empowering the Harimau Malaya team.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Tunku Mahkota Ismail, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), explained that he works with his own team and denied any affiliation with any talent scouting pages on social media.
"I have no close sources. I don't even know these people or pages. I have no connection with anyone or any party.
"I was only asked to help the Malaysian government, the ministry, FAM, and work with my own team to assist the national team in structuring, training facilities, technology, exposure, and establishing relationships with successful football organisations that I know," he said.
Tunku Ismail noted that he has the capability and contacts in the global football arena to help the national team.
"If you think rationally and based on facts, I'm the only one you have. The others just talk and aren't willing to provide financial support, and their contacts aren't extensive.
"I have the infrastructure, Alhamdulillah, and connections with the global football world. I'm the only one you have at the moment. So whether you like it or not, I'm sorry," the Johor Regent said in his post.
Previously, the Harimau Malaya evolution was a hot topic when FAM announced the new Harimau Malaya head coach, Peter Cklamovski, and Nafuzi Zain, who will lead the national U-23 squad starting next month.
In the near future, several positions in the new Harimau Malaya management, such as the chief executive officer and technical director, will be announced.
Moreover, the national squad is expected to be strengthened with several new heritage and naturalised players, which is being facilitated by Tunku Ismail.
Additionally, Tunku Ismail has recently met with several key individuals, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
