According to the Johor Southern Tigers Facebook page, Khairy was brought to see the facilities owned by Johor such as the training centre, gymnasium and field at Padang Seri Gelam.

Tunku Ismail, who owns the Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) football club, said that the visit allowed Khairy to get a clearer picture of football, especially that of JDT’s projects and youth programmes planned in the state.

“The meeting was a very positive one. We were able to sit and discuss the direction (of football), share our opinions, and find a way to improve national football and youth-related programmes,” Tunku Ismail said.

At the same time, Tunku Ismail praised Khairy for his efforts and hard work for the nation’s youth and sports.

Tunku Ismail had previously challenged several important individuals in national football to debate the decline of the sport live on television.

Among the individuals challenged were Khairy, FAM representative and Harimau Malaysia coach Ong Kim Swee, National Football Development Programme (PPBN) director Lim Teong Kim and president of the Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (PJBSM) B Sathianathan.