KUALA LUMPUR:The Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) described Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim as the most qualified individual to helm the post of Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president.

PFAM president Hairuddin Omar in a statement today said support from the association was not just because he is the patron of PFAM but because of his excellent track record in transforming Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).

Hairuddin said Tunku Ismail, who is better known as TMJ, has three main attributes to helm the post and help develop football in the country because he is dedicated to football, has vast knowledge and has a fantastic network with the outside world when it comes to football.

“Based on the these attributes, PFAM believe TMJ will be the right candidate to fulfill the expectations of the fans,” Hairuddin said in a statement.

He said Tunku Ismail can inject new blood into the administration of football in the country and strengthen the M-League as well as improve the national team by using his own expertise and that from abroad.

Tunku Ismail will be involved in a straight fight with Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) adviser Annuar Musa for the post of FAM president at the 51st FAM Congress to be held on March 23.

The race for the post of president was reduced to a two-horse race after Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and former Putrajaya Corporation president Aseh Che Mat failed to confirm their candidacy when nominations closed at 5pm yesterday.

Meanwhile, the race for the post of the two deputy presidents will be a four-cornered fight while nine candidates have entered the battle for the post of four vice-presidents.