Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has challenged his critics to end his influence in football over the “heritage” players’ scandal.
“I want to take this opportunity to call on all those who are unhappy with me in the football industry. Now is the time to completely end my influence and credibility in both the local and international football scene.
“I have been labelled by the majority of opposing team supporters as the individual fully responsible for the issue of the seven suspended players,” he posted on social media.
He stressed his detractors should seize this moment, urging them to mobilise their “machinery across social media, mainstream media, governing bodies, legal avenues, and elsewhere”.
“I hope you do even better. Use this time and opportunity to the fullest. Must finish me once and for all in football.
“Simply talking or writing will not change anything. Please stand united and put in more effort,” Tunku Ismail added.
Yesterday, Tunku Ismail, who is better known as TMJ, claimed he was being made a scapegoat after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld the findings of the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa), maintaining a 12-month suspension on the players involved - though only for official matches.
The crown prince has faced criticism for his alleged role in recruiting the “heritage” players, who were suspended after Fifa found their Malaysian citizenship was based on forged documents.
Tunku Ismail had played a key role in identifying the players and had urged the government to grant them citizenship.
‘Unhappy FAM officials’
However, he blamed insiders within the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), claiming they had an axe to grind with him over financial matters.
He alleged that some FAM officials approached him regarding projects, avoiding MACC investigations, among other things.
He claimed these individuals were also unhappy that the government channelled funds to the national football team, implying it was because they did not get a cut of the funds.
Tunku Ismail then accused these individuals of meeting the media, hardcore football fans, and social media influencers to create a sabotage campaign using various narratives.
Coming to Tunku Ismail’s defence, Johor Menteri Besar Onn Hafiz Ghazi said he had personally witnessed how the crown prince had done “many things to further develop the state and improve its people’s quality of life”.
“Many see Tunku Ismail only through His Highness’ firmness in defending football standards.
“But if viewed more comprehensively, His Highness' vision for Johor actually goes beyond sports alone: it includes education, youth development, a stronger economy and the well-being of the people,” Onn said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.