Mario Gomez replaces Kim Swee to lead Harimau Malaysia - TMJ

Former Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) coach Mario Gomez will be replacing Datuk Ong Kim Swee as head coach of the national football team.

This was announced by the new Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim at a press conference today.

The Tunku Mahkota Johor (TMJ) also said Kim Swee will be put in charge of the under-23 football squad.

"Gomez will have his assistant and all. I would allow him to choose, and have the freedom.

"But, obviously, I will monitor his performance. If I see improvements in their games, he can be there.

"If not up to the mark, then we have to change," he said, adding that Gomez should be able to start his work this week.

Tunku Ismail has been officially confirmed as the new FAM president for the 2017-2021 session earlier today by FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.

Previously, commenting on the imminent appointment of TMJ as FAM president, Kim Swee has reportedly said he has a contract until December and plans to honour his commitments as the national coach.

On Jan 18 this year, JDT announced via its Southern Tigers Facebook page that it has parted ways with the Argentine coach, without giving any reason.