TMJ can lift Malaysian football - British High Commissioner to Malaysia

British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Vicki Treadell hopes Malaysia can emerge as a strong force in football in Asia under the administration of Tunku Mahkota of Johor (TMJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

She said the newly elected Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president, could help the National team regain its status in world football.

"Now perhaps with the new president of FAM, Malaysia might regain its place in the football fraternity worldwide and emerge as a real football force in Asia," she said in her welcome note at the Million Dollar Feet (MDF) cocktail reception at her residence here, Monday.

Tunku Ismail won the post for the 2017-2021 term uncontested after his challenger, former FAM deputy president and Kelantan Football Association adviser, Tan Sri Annuar Musa decided to withdraw.

Sharing the same hope was former England and Liverpool star Steve McMahon, who said TMJ's personality and strong leadership qualities would be able to bring glory to the national team.

"TMJ is great for (national) football. I think the change is great...Fresh face, new ideas and way toward success," he said.

When asked about the appointment of former Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) coach, Mario Gomez as the new national head coach, he said the Argentinian would need support from all quarters to change the sad state of the National team.

"Gomez need to work hard in every department...But TMJ knows his character and ability, so I think TMJ will help and support him," McMahon said.

Meanwhile, the two winners of MDF, Adam Roshan Kris Azman, 13, and Muhd Rusry Haziq, 14, received RM1 million worth of scholarship for two years from September this year at the Brook House College football academy in the United Kingdom (UK).

McMahon who was the MDF head coach said the two young footballers will get a golden opportunity to join the academy team while still being able to continue a high level of academic qualification.

They were selected after an intensive search nationwide that followed an ultimate showdown comprising shortlisted finalist before the two winners were selected for a 10-day trip to UK and an opportunity to showcase their talent to scouts from top European football clubs and academies, he said. -- Bernama