PETALING JAYA: Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim says he is prepared to meet with Harimau Malaya supporters following the recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
CAS upheld FIFA decision to sanction seven mixed heritage players over doctored documents.
The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner responded to an X (formerly Twitter) post requesting the Johor Regent to meet with national team fans to explain the ongoing situation with more clearly.
“Anytime, anywhere. Real men don’t run,” he said.
"But most don’t care about what’s right and true. They’re more interested in draining my influence in the local football industry, that’s all.
Tunku Ismail responded to a tweet from a user named Asrulaimn, who said, “Mohon Tuanku TMJ buat perjumpaan dengan penyokong fanatik Harimau Maaya dan jelaskan dengan lebih teliti.” (Please, Your Highness, arrange a meeting with the fanatical supporters of the Harimau Malaya and explain in greater detail.)
Tunku Ismail had also shared a video from the club, with the caption, “Never leave a man behind. Always here with you guys.”
The video showed the highlights of three JDT players who were affected by the suspension. They are Jon Irazabal, Joao Figueiredo, and Hector Hevel.
Previously, Tunku Ismail went online to say he was prepared to face legal action if there was credible evidence against him for the ongoing fiasco with the national team.
On Thursday, CAS had confirmed that seven Harimau Malaya players will still serve a 12-month ban from official football matches, but were allowed to participate in other football-related activities with their respective clubs.
Tunku Ismail felt the biggest burn from the decision as it meant he would not be able to field three of his players for JDT.
The other naturalised Harimau Malaya players who are affected by the suspension are Facundo Garces, Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, and Gabriel Palmero.
