FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim indicated yesterday that he wants to step down from his post in light of the national team’s poor Fifa ranking.
In a posting on the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page, Tunku Ismail pointed to Malaysia’s Fifa ranking, which fell to an all-time low of No 178 yesterday, as one of the few things he was unable to improve.
“Recently the national team’s ranking fell three places and this is a very big failure,” said Tunku Ismail, who would complete a year as FAM president on Mar 25.
“With that being said, I think it is time that the president of FAM leave football. Thank you for everything and it has been an honour to me to serve Malaysian football. Good luck.”
Tunku Ismail also reflected on the financial and structural changes he has brought to FAM and local football in his near 12 months as president.
“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,” said Tunku Ismail.
“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 in the highest level in Asia.”
Tunku Ismail indicated he will remain involved in football through Johor Darul Ta’zim, the club he owns.
“To my loved Bangsa Johor and all the fans of Johor Darul Ta’zim around the world, my wife and kids, daddy’s home,” he added.