His Royal Highness Tunku Ismail, the Regent of Johor and owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), has once again spoken out to address misconceptions about Malaysian football.
Following the dramatic recall of three players from the national team, Tunku Ismail has laid bare the realities of the sport in Malaysia, pointing out that the failure lies not in Malaysian football itself, but in the individuals managing it.
Tunku Ismail emphasized JDT’s growth as a beacon of excellence in Malaysian football. Ranked as the No. 1 team in Southeast Asia and No. 6 in Asia by the Opta Power Rankings, JDT’s success is a testament to what is possible when a club is managed with professionalism and vision. Since 2015, JDT has been a major contributor to Malaysia’s rise in Asian football, providing 21.54 out of 31.33 association ranking points—an incredible 68.7%—that have allowed more Malaysian clubs to compete on the Asian stage.
JDT’s achievements go beyond rankings. They remain the only Southeast Asian team to win the AFC Cup (2015) and boast world-class facilities that rival top clubs globally. From their medical center to their AFC Two-Star Academy, JDT’s infrastructure is a shining example of how modern football clubs should operate.
These achievements represent milestones not just for JDT, but for the entire Malaysian football industry.
Despite these successes, the narrative surrounding Malaysian football is often negative. But as Tunku Ismail highlighted, the blame lies not with the sport itself but with the individuals managing various teams. Problems like unpaid salaries, inadequate infrastructure, lack of youth development programs, and poor management stem from unqualified and irresponsible personnel who fail to uphold the standards required to elevate Malaysian football.
Moreover, Tunku Ismail pointed out that the problem is compounded by those who continue to support these individuals instead of holding them accountable. This culture of complacency and misplaced blame diverts attention from the root causes of failure.
Instead of criticizing JDT’s dominance or Malaysian football’s structure, stakeholders must look inward and emulate JDT’s model. The Southern Tigers’ commitment to excellence, professionalism, and youth development has set a clear path for others to follow. A stronger league with better-managed teams, modern facilities, and structured development programs will elevate the overall standard of Malaysian football.
Tunku Ismail’s message is clear: Football in Malaysia has not failed. It is individuals within the industry who have failed to adapt, innovate, and deliver. To move forward, clubs, administrators, and fans must push for accountability and change. Only by demanding higher standards can Malaysian football realize its full potential.
Credit Photo : JST
