TMJ hits back at fans' boycott threat


Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim is disappointed with the fans for

PETALING JAYA: Johor Football Association (JFA) president Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim has slammed the boycott threat issued by the fans from the state.

The fans of Super League side Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are unhappy with the management’s decision to replace head coach Cesar Jiminez and drop fan favourites – Singaporean Baihakki Khaizan and Argentine Pablo Aimar – from the team.

The Southern Tigers have secured Brazilian defender Marcos Antonio Elias Santos in the second transfer window to replace Baihakki. There is also speculation that Argentinian Diego Mario Buonanotte may be signed from La Liga side Granada to replace Aimar.

Tunku Ismail said on Sunday he was disappointed with the fans for “jumping to conclusions without knowing the actual true facts”. 

“I would gladly make way for anyone that you believe is capable of serving as the Johor FA president,” said Tunku Ismail in a release posted on the Johor Southern Tigers’ official Facebook page on Sunday.

He added that the constant change in foreign players was due to the requests made by the coach.

“It’s the management’s duty to support the coach’s request in order for the team to achieve their target.

“Jiminez is a fantastic coach, but there was a language barrier. The decision to change Baihakki and Aimar was made by Jiminez and I when he was still head coach,” said Tunku Ismail.

“The appointment of Bojan Hodak as coach is based entirely on merit. He is a highly decorated coach and has vast experience in Malaysian football.” 

JDT are now third in the Super League standings with 25 points after 14 matches, trailing leaders Pahang by three points after the coaching shake-up.

“We must appreciate and should be thankful with the team we have now. We have enjoyed three consecutive wins and still have a chance to fight for the title,” said Tunku Ismail.

Subscribe now and receive FREE sooka plan for 1 month.
T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

   

Next In Football

Soccer-Guardiola sees challenging season for injury-hit City with Sporting next
Soccer-Wilson's late brace gives Fulham 2-1 comeback win over Brentford
Soccer-Leverkusen's Alonso calls Liverpool one of Europe's best ahead of clash
Soccer-Girona face PSV with plenty to win and little to lose, says Michel
Soccer-Fonseca urges Milan to seize chance for statement win at Real Madrid
Soccer-Amorim focuses on Sporting's clash with Man City before joining United
Soccer-Edu resigns as Arsenal sporting director
Soccer-Juve must play at their limits against confident Lille, says Motta
Soccer-Liverpool need better overall display against Leverkusen, says Slot
Soccer-PSV seek to put domestic disappointment behind them in Champions League

Others Also Read