KUALA LUMPUR — Regent of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino yesterday to discuss Malaysia’s national football team project, which has garnered backing from the Malaysian government.
In a statement issued today, Tunku Ismail revealed that Infantino was briefed on the initiative, which aims to elevate the standards of Malaysian football through strategic planning and enhanced development.
“Infantino expressed belief in the Regent of Johor-led national initiative and agreed to provide Malaysia support in terms of research, infrastructure and development,” read the statement.
A notable image from the meeting, posted by Tunku Ismail, also showed Australian football icon Tim Cahill alongside the FIFA president and the Crown Prince.
Cahill’s presence further highlights his growing involvement with Malaysian football.
On December 6, Scoop reported that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) appointed Cahill as the national team’s technical advisor, with an official announcement expected soon.
Cahill, who earned 108 caps and scored 50 goals for the Socceroos between 2004 and 2018, will focus on improving the technical and coordination skills of the Harimau Malaya squad.
He will also monitor the team’s overall progress.
Cahill’s role was hinted at earlier when a photo of him with Tunku Ismail, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) CEO Alistair Edwards was posted on Tunku Ismail’s Facebook page in August.
The national team project, led by Tunku Ismail, has seen significant changes, including the recent appointments of Australian coach Peter Cklamovski and local tactician Nafuzi Zain.
Cklamovski, formerly an assistant coach under Tottenham Hotspurs manager Ange Postecoglou, brings international experience, while Nafuzi’s success in the Malaysian league strengthens the coaching staff. — December 18, 2024