KUALA LUMPUR – Bosnian football giant FK Sarajevo has officially named its youth academy after the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail (TMJ), in recognition of his growing involvement and support for the club’s development.
In a statement, the club announced that the academy will now be known as the FK Sarajevo – Tunku Mahkota Ismail Football Academy, following the Regent’s consent.
The move is described as a defining moment in FK Sarajevo’s international progress.
“Football Club Sarajevo proudly announces that its football academy is now named the FK Sarajevo – Tunku Mahkota Ismail Football Academy, with the consent of His Royal Highness Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the Regent of Johor.
This decision marks an important benchmark in the international growth of FK Sarajevo, reflecting the shared vision of the club’s principal investors, Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Ismir Mirvic.
With the collaboration of Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the club remains committed to its mission of modernising and elevating FK Sarajevo to the global stage as a model of football excellence in Southeast Europe,” the club said.
The announcement comes as TMJ was recently reported to be joining Vincent and Mirvic as a new investor in the club, further strengthening the partnership between Johor and Sarajevo in football development.
Founded in 1946, FK Sarajevo is one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most successful football clubs, boasting multiple Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina titles and Bosnian Cups. The club has a storied history, having represented the former Yugoslavia in European competitions during the 1960s and 1980s.
In recent years, FK Sarajevo has featured several times in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and the UEFA Europa League, gaining valuable experience against top-tier European clubs. – October 28, 2025