FK Sarajevo, Bosnian Club has officially announced that its football academy will now be known as the FK Sarajevo – Crown Prince Ismail Football Academy, in honour of His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail Idris Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor, Malaysia.
The decision, made with the gracious consent of His Royal Highness, marks a historic milestone in the club’s journey and underscores the strong international partnership and cultural bridge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Malaysia.
The renaming reflects the deep commitment of the club’s majority investors, who share a common vision of advancing youth development, football excellence, and cross-border collaboration. The academy — already regarded as one of the most promising youth football structures in the Balkans — is set to play an even greater role in nurturing future generations of professional footballers.
In a statement, FK Sarajevo expressed its gratitude to Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ) for his continuous support, passion for football, and visionary leadership that has inspired progress both in Malaysia and abroad.
“This renaming is a tribute to His Royal Highness’s contributions to the global football community and his enduring commitment to youth empowerment through sport. The FK Sarajevo – Crown Prince Ismail Football Academy will stand as a symbol of unity, excellence, and shared ambition,” the club stated.
The partnership between FK Sarajevo and the Johor royal family dates back several years, when Tunku Ismail, who is also the owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) — Malaysia’s most successful football club — became a key figure in the club’s ownership structure. Under his guidance, both JDT and FK Sarajevo have made remarkable progress in professional management, infrastructure, and competitive achievements.
With this latest announcement, the newly named FK Sarajevo – Crown Prince Ismail Football Academy reaffirms its mission to become a regional hub of football excellence, combining European football expertise with Malaysian innovation and vision.
Credit Photo : FK Sarajevo
