‘SELANGOR CAN BE KING OF MALAYA’

But Tunku Ismail says JDT are more famous worldwide

JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim released a video via the club’s social media pages on Friday after Selangor were labelled as the King of Malaya by fans.

In the short clip, Tunku Ismail, who is known for being outspoken, responded by saying: “We (JDT) are not the King of Malaya, but everyone in the world knows our name.

“We are ranked 33rd on the Asian Club rankings, while other (M-League) teams are ranked 112th and below.

“A King does not stay in a rented home. He must have his own home.

“If you want to be a King but do not have a home, I don’t know what kind of King is that.”

According to footyrankings.com, JDT are ranked third in Asean and 33rd in Asia. The six-time Super League champions are the only Malaysian team in the top-10 bracket of the Asean rankings.

In the video clip, Tunku Ismail also acknowledged JDT’s acquisition of several players from Selangor such as S. Kunanlan, Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, Adam Nor Azlin, Farizal Marlias, Azrif Nasrulhaq and Nazmi Faiz Mansor but stressed his club paid handsome fees for their release.

“But don’t worry, you can take the ‘King of Malaya’ name but remember one thing — you’re lucky I started JDT in 2013. If I had done it earlier, you would be celebrating only birthdays,” said Tunku Ismail.

FA of Selangor (FAS) secretary-general Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon said he agrees with Tunku Ismail's statement in regard to JDT’s being the best in the M-League.

“JDT will always be favourites in competitions and the team to beat. They play in the AFC Champions League and their ranking proves how good they are.

“Selangor would like to be at the same level one day. There is a lot of work to be done and hopefully, we can progress accordingly,” said Johan.