"History Made, It Is Time" - TMJ Says After Announcing His Retirement As President Of FAM
"I think it is time that President of FAM leave football."
By Sadho Ram — 16 Mar 2018, 12:40 AM
Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Crown Prince of Johor, has announced his retirement as the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) with immediate effect
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of JOHOR Southern Tigers, the Johor Crown Prince wrote that his decision to leave FAM Presidency was made after the national football team's FIFA ranking failed to improve.
While pointing out that the national team's ranking fell 3 places from 175 to 178, Tunku Ismail, fondly known as TMJ, termed it as "a very big failure" for himself.
"With that being said, I think it is time that President of FAM leave football.
"Thank you for everything and it has been an honour for me to serve Malaysian Football. Good luck," the statement read.
In the statement, which was titled "History Made, It Is Time", the JDT football club owner wrote that he tried his best to change certain things for good in FAM and local football
"Ever since I took up the post of FAM president, I have restructured local football, lured in sponsors to help contribute to football in the country and prepared a long-term plan for the local football with the co-operation of (Spain's) La Liga.
"I have fought for broadcasting rights for all competing teams in the M-League, to help them manage and strengthen their financial stability.
"History was made when for the first time all teams received between RM1 million to RM3 million annually, so they do not have to be dependent on government funding.
"The Under-23, Under-19 and Under-16 teams have also managed to make history when they represented the country at the highest level in Asia."
The Crown Prince of Johor, who would have completed a year as FAM President on 25 March, however, indicated he will remain involved in football through Johor Darul Ta'zim
"To my loved Bangsa Johor and all the fans of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) around the world, my wife and kids... Daddy's home!"