PETALING JAYA: The Regent of Johor and owner of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (pic) believes the appointment of Rob Friend as the national football team chief executive officer (CEO) is the right move.
Former Canadian international Friend was announced as the CEO of Harimau Malaya on Tuesday.
This is the first time that such a position has been created for the national team and it is a part of moves to boost the national football team’s performance over the next three years.
Tunku Ismail said Friend has the knowledge, qualifications and connections to lead the national team in the right direction.
“The best decision appointing a millionaire, highly qualified with good football knowledge, connected in the football world and someone who loves the sport,” said Tunku Ismail on his Instagram posting.
“With this qualification, if one day Malaysia do not want him, JDT will welcome him with open arms.”
The Canadian comes with strong credentials both as a former player and administrator.
Friend played as a forward with Moss FC and Molde FK (both Norway), Borussia Monchengladbach, Hertha Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt and 1860 Munich (Germany) and LA Galaxy (United States).
He has made 32 international appearances for Canada. He retired from competitive football in December 2014.
Among his major accomplishments off the pitch includes being a co-founder of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and helping the league increase its value to US$300mil (RM1.3 bil) in six years.
Friend had also served as co-founder and CEO of CPL sides Pacific FC (2019-2022) and co-founder and president of Vancouver FC (2022-2024).
TMJ also promised a brighter future for the Super League champions, hinting at major developments for the club.
“Big things are coming. If you think what I’ve done for JDT so far is great, wait and see what’s next. “Improvement in all aspects: commercial value, assets, infrastructure, history, and success. 2025 will be massive and mark the beginning of the legacy era.”
JDT, established in 2013 under Tunku Ismail, have been a dominant force in Malaysian football. The club boast 10 consecutive Super League titles since 2014, alongside multiple Malaysia Cup, FA Cup and Charity Shield triumphs.
JDT also made history in 2015, becoming the first Southeast Asian club to win the AFC Cup.
Tunku Ismail’s focus on youth development, through a structured academy system, has further cemented JDT’s status as a benchmark for football professionalism in Malaysia.
