JOHOR BAHARU, July 14 — Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim has insisted that football in Johor will progress as usual, even though he is no longer the president of the Johor Football Association (JFA).
The Tunku Mahkota of Johor said he also did not have to be president in order to help improve football in the state.
"For your (fans) information, I recently resigned as JFA president, but it does not mean that football in Johor will not move forward.
"I do not have to be a Royal Patron to promote Johor's football, as I have all of you (fans) to develop it.
"I promise in front of all the Johor citizens in the stadium tonight, that I will always be here, no matter for football or domestic affairs," he said.
Tunku Ismail, who watched the match Super League match between Johor Darul Ta'zim team (JDT) and Selangor, announced this immediately after the match, at the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium here, last night.
The squad coached by Mario Gomez beat Selangor, 3-1.
The Southern Tigers and Red Giants were supposed to meet on July 8, however, the match was postponed to last night as JDT were involved in friendly against Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund on July 9.
Speaking in front of more than 11,000 spectators, Tunku Ismail also congratulated JDT on the victory.
He also expressed thanks and welcomed the Ultra Selangor supporters club who gave their support to the Red Giants.
"No matter what result was tonight, you all will remain 'legends' in Malaysian football," he said.
Tunku Ismail had, two days ago, informed of his resignation as JFA president, effective 5pm.
It was announced by JFA's honorary secretary Mohd Fahmy Yahya, on the Johor Southern Tigers' Facebook page.
Tunku Ismail, however, did not reveal the reason of his resignation. — Bernama
