Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C.

The Johor FC Era (1996–2011)

The club was founded in 1972 as PKENJ FC. After PKENJ FC won the FAM Cup twice, Johor Corporation (state funded corporation) decided to takeover the club in 1996 and changed its name to Johor Football Club (Johor FC). The club finished as the runners-up in the 1996 season.

In 1997, Johor FC was promoted to the second tier Malaysian football league, the Malaysia Premier League (which was then known as the Premier-Two League), and won the title in 2001. After two years in top division of the league, Johor FC were relegated to Malaysia Premier League during the 2002–03 season. The club earned an automatic promotion to the Super League during the 2006–07 season after Football Association of Malaysia's decision to expand the league to 14 teams and was respectively a regular top 5 finisher in the league. Johor FC was the first club team in Malaysian football league to enter Malaysia Cup in 2000 under English manager Bruce Stowell. Malaysia Cup was previously dominated by state teams and by defeating ATM on aggregate in the second-round group qualification, the club itself has marked another record in the division. The club has also participated in AFC Cup in 2009 replacing Negeri Sembilan of which the latter qualified but did not proceed to compete in the competition.

2012 The Year Before

Starting from 2 February 2012, Singaporean football legend Fandi Ahmad would begin his three-year contract with Johor FA serving as the technical advisor. Later in the year, Fandi assumed the role as the team's head coach. The team eventually finished fourth in the MPL for the 2012 season.

HRH Tunku Ismail was officially appointed as the new President of Johor FA (PBNJ) in the association's extraordinary congress held on 16 February 2012. During the congress, he first mooted a proposal to revamp the whole organisation structure and its footballing activities. Part of the plan was to consolidate its football teams into a single representative competing in the M-League. The plan was met with mixed reactions from officials and fans all over the country.

During the season, there were several match fixing allegations and investigations involving players from Johor-based teams. At the end of 2012 season, Johorean football were in disastrous state. Johor based teams were underperforming and struggling in the M-League. Johor FC barely avoided relegation in MSL, while other Johor-based clubs – Johor FA, Johor Bahru FC, and Muar FC – were struggling to compete in MPL. There was also another Johorean club too, known as Melodi Jaya Sports Club that finished second bottom of the lowest tier of the M-League.

Just months after HRH Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim took charge as Johor FA's President, a bold strategic revamp within Johor FA (PBNJ) was initiated. The move was to realign and consolidate football teams and clubs representing Johor. It saw both teams Johor FC and Johor FA would be placed under a single management to ensure the stability of both teams. All Johor-based clubs except for Johor FC and Johor FA were withdrawn from the M-League. Both teams were reinstated with same name and were given with numerical order.

In December 2012, FAM announced that they had received the application of changing the name to Darul Ta'zim FC for the upcoming 2013 Season and had no objection of it. It was later renamed as Johor Darul Ta'zim Football Club.

With this new direction in developing and enhancing the future of football in Johor, Johor FA was tasked to implore and seek young Johorean talents as feeders to the club. Thus, it implemented a 5-year plan which was distributed publicly through the media as invitation to join forces to create and enhance more talent pool within the state.

2013

Officially it is the first year the Southern Tigers made its debut under the new transformation initiative. In light of that, a few initiatives were executed in the 2013 season. To keep the fans updated about the Johor FA teams competing in the M-League, the club launched official magazine "Harimau Selatan" and an official website to complement their existing social media platforms. A fully refurnished Larkin Stadium was made to accommodate more fans. With the introduction of season passes, it allow fans entry to all competitive matches for an entire season.

As for the start of the upcoming season, Fandi Ahmad had been handed the task as the head coach of the team in the MSL, while the MPL team would be handled by former international and Johor player, Azmi Mohamad, with the assistance of former compatriot, Ismail Ibrahim. The pre-season spending splurge embarked with the acquisition of local hotshots, Safee Sali (Arema Cronous), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Kelantan), Safiq Rahim (Selangor), Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha (ATM) amongst others.

Then came the influxes of big names for foreign imports namely Euro 2008 winner Daniel Guiza and former Lazio midfielder Simone Del Nero. However, both left in the middle of the season; Guiza (loan spell ended) and Del Nero (released due to growing injuries).

After a dramatic battle with Pahang in the semi finals, JDT managed to reach the 2013 FA Cup final on away-goal rule. In a turn of events, 3 JDT key players (Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali and Andrezinho) were forced out because of injuries in the first half of the highly anticipated final. Kelantan took advantage of it to control the game. In the end, JDT succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Eastern side.

The drama didn't end there. During the middle of 2013 season, Fandi Ahmad was relieved of his coaching duties, but would stay on as the team's manager. Azmi Mohamed would be JDT's coach on an interim basis while waiting for the arrival of the new head coach.

Despite coaching changes and injuries to key players, JDT managed to finish 3rd in the MSL after a series of inconsistent performances towards to the end of the league fixtures.

Later on, just a day before the 2013 Malaysia Cup kicked off, Fandi Ahmad resigned as the team manager and parted ways with Johor FA amicably. With the motivation to rejuvenate the glory days of past into the future, JDT appointed former Valencia and Atletico Madrid boss Cesar Ferrando Jimenez as the new club's head coach.

Even though Malaysia Cup was not part of JDT's 2013 goals, HRH Tunku Ismail expected the best performance out of the team for the campaign. After finishing 2nd the group stage, JDT moved on to the Quarter Final for another mouth-battering battle against 2013 FA Cup Winner, Kelantan FA. After a 4-2 home win in the first leg, JDT expected a change of fortune for this time around. In the return leg, Kelantan played very well, sent out JDT out of the tournament (8-5 agg.) with Kelantan's Norfarhan Muhammad racking up two personal goals, and providing two assists from the total six goals produced.

In mid September 2013, JDT had unveiled Pablo Aimar and Braulio Rodriguez as the latest foreign signings for the club. To beef up the squad for the upcoming 2014 campaign, former Panathinaikos and Argentine international player, Luciano Figueroa joined the club on 2-year contract.

2014

In late February 2014, Bojan Hodak was appointed as the team manager to assist Cesar Jimenez in managerial duties. The responsibility of match tactics, game style and development would still be under the responsibility of Jimenez.

With growing expectation from fans everywhere, JDT's overall performance were lacklustre and the expected results had not been forthcoming. After the end of the first round of fixtures of MSL 2014 Season, JDT were in the sixth position in the league. Despite rumours of the boycott threat issued by the fans, the club's management decided to replace Cesar Jiminez with Bojan Hodak taking the hot seat as JDT's head coach.

On 21 April 2014, HRH Tunku Ismail announced that JDT would drop the injury-plagued Aimar from the team as he was unable to contribute 100%. As a replacement, JDT signed Argentinian striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz from Argentine Primera Division side Lanus.

In a repeat of last year's FA Cup semi finals, JDT had to battle it out against rival Pahang FA for a spot in the 2014's final. After a 1-1 draw at home, JDT hoped for the best in the return leg. Instead, JDT were dispatched out of the semis in the 81st minute to give Pahang a 1-0 win over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) – and a 2-1 aggregate triumph.

Within the space of two months, despite all the dramas in the first half of the 2014 season, Hodak managed to make a quick turnaround and transformed JDT from mid-table resident to the top of the table as 2014 MSL League Champions.

With 3 remaining league matches to play for the season, JDT finally overtook Selangor as the new league leaders. Separating by a single point between the two sides, it produced a classic one-two race towards the end. After both teams only managed to carve out 1 win of the next 2 league matches, it came down to the wire. Playing at Shah Alam Stadium in front of their fans, Selangor would be facing bottom-relegated PKNS F.C with a slight advantage. Meanwhile, JDT would be playing Sarawak FA away at Kuching. Mid season signing Jorge Pereyra Diaz squeezed in the winner in the 66th minute as JDT triumphed 1-0 over Sarawak. With that victory, JDT secured their claim as the new League Champions for 2014 after Selangor managed only to claim a 2-2 draw against PKNS F.C.

In 2014 Malaysia Cup campaign, JDT finished on top of the group with a 3-0 win over Kelantan in the final fixture of the group stage. After edging out Felda United (quarter-final) and Terengganu FA (semi-final) respectively, JDT made it through to the Final for the first time in 23 years since 1991 when the former Johor FA team made it double (League and Malaysia Cup champions) that year. Billed as the Match of Heavyweights, it was a highly anticipated match between JDT (League champions) and Pahang (FA Cup winners). Held at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, fans of both sides were amped up in the moments building up to the kick-off. Pahang drew the first blood in 14th min through a header by Dickson Nwakaeme. In the absence of Aidil Zafuan due to suspension, JDT defence displayed shakiness right from the beginning. JDT were finally able to find the equaliser in the 31st minute and added another goal for the lead two minutes later. Despite being down a man less in the 2nd half few minutes earlier, Pahang managed to level the score in 71st minute. After the conclusion of extra time, the result was decided by a nail-biting penalty shootout with a heartbreaking lost 3-5 to Pahang.

2015

JDT began their defence as the League Champions with another rematch against rivals Pahang in the Charity Shield match. Playing in front of their loyal supporters, the highly spirited JDT was determined to show a dominant performance after losing twice to Pahang in previous Cup competitions (FA Cup semifinals and Malaysia Cup final). With goals by Marcos Santos and Luciano Figueroa, JDT triumphed 2-0 over their archrivals while serving them as a morale booster for the upcoming AFC Champions League qualifying match.

JDT qualified to play in the preliminary rounds of the 2015 AFC Champions League by virtue of being the previous year's league champions. After defeating Bengaluru FC (India) 2-1 at home in the first knock-out qualifier, hopes were high for the Southern Tigers to qualify for the later stages. Facing an uphill battle with key players missing due to lack of fitness and injuries, JDT went to Bangkok with a game plan to stifle Bangkok Glass FC (Thailand) defence. However, luck was not on JDT's side after they fell 0-3 to the Northern neighbours. With the loss, JDT would play in the AFC Cup Competition for the second time since 2009. They were drawn in Group F with Kitchee FC (Hong Kong), East Bengal (India) and Balestier Khalsa (Singapore).

JDT made a stunning debut in AFC Cup with an entertaining 4-1 win over East Bengal FC in the first game of the Group Stage. Playing in front of home crowd, JDT performed exceptionally well with all local lineups except for Hariss Harun.

In the FA Cup competition, JDT were knocked out from the 2nd round when they lost in a penalty shootout (2-4) to Pahang after the score were levelled 1-1 in extra time.

In late April 2015, after a string of inconsistent results varied from the expected to mediocre and then to humiliating defeats, JDT decided to rest the head coach Bojan Hodak, and replaced him with Mario Gomez. The Argentine is an experienced coach after having served as Head Coach of South China AA previously, and coaching spells as assistant coach at Valencia and Serie A club Inter Milan As the new head coach, he was also given the authority to revamp youth development programmes in JDT especially its development squads, from JDT II to JDT V.

Despite the hectic schedule of domestic competitions, JDT managed to finish as the Group Winner ahead of Kitchee after a comfortable 3-0 against Balestier Khalsa FC in the final game of Group F. Two weeks later, JDT thrashed Ayeyawady United 5-0 in the second knockout round of AFC Cup and marched on to the Quarter Finals.

Following their wins in MSL Match Day 12 with JDT playing catch up closely with the league leaders, Pahang and JDT set up the another classic thriller between bitter rivals on Match Day 13. Pahang's coach, Zainal Abidin said, "There are 10 more matches to go but this game is crucial to decide the champions. Past records do not count anymore ... it is history. What matters now is Saturday's outcome". Despite playing away at Kuantan, JDT almost won the match via a strike by Amri Yahyah in the 67th minute before Pahang defender Damion Delano Stewart's equaliser eight minutes later.

A shocking announcement was made that Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim has left his post as President of the Johor FA on 12 July 2015. Instead he will still serve in his capacity as the Royal Patron of Johor FA. Dato' Haji Ismail bin Karim, State Secretary of Johor, has been appointed as his replacement with immediate effect. However, HRH Tunku Ismail's plan is still intact and will continue as planned. This is based upon the press statement released by Johor FA earlier, "Regardless of the change, all matters pertaining to the club such as future plans, finance management, the organisational structure, the building of the football academy and new stadium, and the association's policies will remain as it is."

With both Pahang and JDT were on long unbeaten runs heading into Match Day 18, the battle for MSL title had became an intense sprint to the finish between these two archrivals. The month of August 2015 saw a neck-to-neck race with both JDT and Pahang trading places at the top spots towards the final fixture of MSL, Match Day 22.

Leading the table by two points over Pahang, JDT as the hot favorites to retain the MSL title, would be facing Felda United away at Selayang while Pahang travelled to Terengganu who had motivations to win for favourable seedings in the Malaysia Cup draw. Despite losing 2-1 to Felda United, JDT were crowned MSL 2015 Champions when Pahang failed to win their game, downed 1-3 to Terengganu.

3 days laters, JDT suffered a setback in their AFC Cup campaign. After played 8 matches in the past 25 days, JDT could only achieved a disappointing 1-1 draw at Larkin in the first leg of AFC Cup Quarter Final against South China of Hong Kong. Despite conceding an away goal, JDT managed to turn the tables around in the return leg. JDT scored a resounding 3-1 away victory after playing for 54 minutes without Luciano Figueroa, who was sent off for elbowing Cheung Chi-yung earlier. With a 4-2 aggregate scoreline, it sent JDT to the AFC Cup Semi Final.

After being drawn in a group with Perak, Sarawak and ATM, JDT began their campaign with a positive note with 2-0 win over Perak at Larkin when the 89th edition of Malaysia Cup kicked off on 11 September 2015.

It was a one-sided affair in the first leg of the semifinals after JDT lost 1-3 to Kuwait's Qadsia at the Kuwait Sport Club Stadium. Only in the final third of the match, JDT finally got into the rhythm and rewarded with a vital away goal through Amri's stunning long range volley.

On 16 October 2016, FIFA announced its decision to suspend Kuwait from all football competitions with immediate effect. Following the ban, both Kuwaiti clubs (Qadsia and Al-Kuwait) will not be able to further in the AFC Cup competition.

After AFC's decision to call off the 2nd leg of the semi finals, JDT would meet FC Istiklol in the final on 31 October 2015 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. JDT were the first Malaysian team to appear in the final of continental competition in 48 years since Selangor qualified for the inaugural Asian Club Championship final back in 1967.

In the thick of things, JDT sealed a spot in the Malaysia Cup quarterfinal after a 3-0 win over Sarawak FA at Sarawak Stadium.

Despite being under pressure throughout the match, a low strike by Leandro Velazquez and well-organised defence helped JDT to secure a 1-0 victory over Istiklol in the AFC Cup Final. As a result, JDT created a historical achievement by becoming the first Southeast Asian club to win a continental title. By breaking the monopoly of West Asian teams in the AFC Cup tournamen, JDT registered as the first club from East Asia to emerge champions in the second biggest championship in Asia. JDT's influential skipper, Safiq Rahim was named the Final's MVP (Most Valuable Player).

With little time to rest, Mario Gomez's side returned to Malaysia Cup action when they traveled to Ipoh to face Perak in their penultimate Group B match. Newly AFC Cup champions came back from a goal down to defeat Perak 2-1 with Amri and Safee on the scoresheet. After collecting five wins of their six group matches, JDT would meet Felda United in the knock-out stage. Despite having advantage of an away goal (1-1 draw) in the first leg, JDT's fantastic season was brought to a surprising end after a 1-2 shocking defeat to Felda in the return leg and thus crashing out of the Cup competition on 2-3 aggregate.

2016

JDT kicked off the season with another bid to qualify for the AFC Champions League main draw. Standing in the way was Muangthong United of Thailand. After a scoreless draw in 120 minutes at the Thunderdome Stadium in Nonthaburi, JDT failed to make it through to the next stage after losing a 3-0 in penalty shootout. Despite the defeat, JDT would now begin their preparation of title defence in the AFC Cup.

The retirement of Luciano Figueroa at the end of last season left a gaping hole in JDT's strike force. The club recruited Juan Martin Lucero from Independiente as reinforcement for JDT's offensive side just a few days before the kickoff of Malaysia Super League Match Day 1. In the opener of 2016 Malaysia Super League, JDT edged Selangor in a thrilling penalty shootout 7-6 to win the 2016 Charity Shield after being held to a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes.

Right from the beginning, JDT had to play 11 games in the span of 5 weeks (35 days). Having to play in multiple campaigns (AFC Cup, FA Cup and Super League matches), Mario Gomez decided to use squad rotation for the hectic schedule ahead. JDT managed to wrestle 4 wins and 1 draw from 5 MSL matches with impressive away wins (T-Team and Terengganu) and a comeback victory at home against league rivals, Felda United. As the early favorites, JDT started their AFC Cup campaign with 3 wins (Ayeyawady United, Bengaluru and Lao Toyota) from the first 3 group matches played in that period. In the FA Cup competition, after dispatching UiTM (2nd Round) and Negeri Sembilan FA (3rd Round) in the earlier rounds, JDT secured a crucial away win 1-0 against PDRM in the 1st leg of Quarter Finals. Despite the tough schedule, JDT notched 10 wins out of 11 games in the opening quarter of the season.

Despite tasted its first defeat of the season 1-2 to Kedah in the first leg of the FA semifinals, JDT were confident to overcome the deficit in the return leg at Larkin. Playing in front of a sold out home crowd, Diaz's late heroics helped JDT to secure the win and crush its visitors' hope in the thrilling 3-1 affair. Hence, it sent JDT into the FA Cup final with final 4-3 aggregate. With strong backing of the crowd who were mostly clad in blue, JDT clinched the FA Cup title after making a comeback win 2-1 over PKNS FC. It was the first time a Malaysian club lifted the trophy in the history of FA Cup competition since 1990.

In AFC Cup competition, JDT cruised into the Round of 16 after topping the group with a perfect record of 6 wins. JDT eased themselves into the Quarter Finals after thumping over Kaya FC in a 7-2 goal-feast match at Larkin. In the official draw for the knock-out stage, JDT were set to meet South China of Hong Kong - a repeat of last year's duel in the same round. Despite scoring early in the first half, South China managed to steal a draw through a last-minute goal. With wasted chances and lost of possessions, JDT's lacklustre performance in 2nd half of the match drew criticisms from Mario Gomez. Despite rattling the bar three times and a missed penalty, JDT edged South China 2-1 in the return leg at Larkin and qualified into the Semis with a 3-2 aggregate. JDT rewrote the history by becoming the first Asean club to qualify successive semifinals or more in the Asian tournaments. After another lacklustre 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Semi Finals, JDT had to dig deep to overcome the insurgent Bengaluru FC in the return leg. It was a tall order for JDT as three key players (Diaz, Lucero and Amri) were on suspension after receiving yellow cards respectively. In the end, JDT failed to reignite any hopes of surviving after a 3-1 diminishing lost to the in-form Bengaluru. JDT stopped short in their journey to make successive AFC Cup finals and had to bow out of the cup competition on 2-4 aggregate.

With traditional rivals, Pahang and Selangor facing inconsistent performances on the field, Felda United gave JDT the run for their money for the League title. Just before the league taking its 5-week break, JDT took over the top of the table in Match Day 12 with a thumping 6-0 away win against a weak Pahang side in Kuantan. With four points separated the top two in the league and 4 league games to play, the title showdown came down to Match Day 19 in Felda United's new home ground, Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka, Pahang. It was a mouth watering affair with both sides firing all cylinders and playing their best for the win. In the end, JDT overcame the 5-goal thriller despite being denied two goals by the officials. It was dubbed as the Match of the Season by local footballing fans and media. All JDT needed was just three points from their remaining three matches to wrap up the title. JDT secured the title and sealed her fate in history books on Match Day 20 with a 3-0 win over Terengganu. It was JDT's third MSL title as the first team to win 3 consecutive league titles - a feat never achieved before by any team since the inception of a national league championship in 1982.

In wrapping up the season, JDT left no stone unturned to battle it all for the 2 remaining league matches. After a 5-1 home win over Terengganu, JDT set to meet their arch rivals, Selangor in the final league match. By defeating Selangor 2-1 in an away affair, JDT secured another place in history - the first team to go through an undefeated season, won 18 of the 22 league matches.

2017

With the outgoing of several players from the main squad in the off-season and lower spending budget, there were mixed reactions from local football enthusiasts and pundits on how will JDT continue their impressive run for the forthcoming 2017 campaign. Even HRH Tunku Ismail cautioned the fans and downplayed all expectations. The most notable players of the out flux list are Amri Yahyah (Melaka United), Juan Martin Lucero (Tijuana), Hariss Harun (loan), and the 2016 league top scorer, Jorge Pereyra Diaz (AEK Athens).

JDT began a series of recruitment to muster a formidable lineup in their defence of the league title for the upcoming 2017 season. On the local front, JDT managed to enlist several upcoming local talents to strengthen their muscle in the main squad. Among them are 2016's MVP and Best Striker - Ahmad Hazwan Bakri (from Selangor) and 2016's Most Promising Youngster - Safawi Rasid (from T-Team). In the absence of Diaz, Lucero and Hariss, the club finalised their foreign firepower following the inclusion of Argentinean Jeronimo Barrales (from Sivasspor). Compatriots Brian Ferreira (Independiente) and Gonzalo Cabrera (Al-Faisaly) were signed earlier in late December 2016.

With competitors stocking up their arsenal in preparation for the league opener, JDT began their groundwork for the league title defence and ACL playoff by conducting a preseason training in Thailand where they would play a series of friendly matches against Chonburi, Air Force Central FC and Buriram United.

In a sudden shocking move, JDT announced that they have parted their ways with Mario Gomez barely 2 days before the kickoff of the season opener. The move has left the fans and analysts baffling with speculations and even more questions despite reassurance from the club's officials. In place of the hot seat, JDT swiftly promoted Mexican Benjamin Mora from JDT II to coach the squad in their battle for the 2017 season.

Club Ownership

On the eve of the MSL 2016 season, JDT have officially came under the ownership of HRH Tunku Ismail in a statement released by Johor FA dated 10 January 2016. It further clarifies that JDT are now turned into a full-fledged professional outfit , as a separate entity from the Johor FA which organises the overall football development programme in the state. As the JDT owner, HRH Tunku Ismail will be involved directly in the decision-making process and club management, compared to his previous role as the Royal Patron of Johor FA, when he provided direction and counsel. A day later, former Johor striker who was a key member of the historic double-champion team of 1991, Alistair Edwards has been appointed as JDT's Sporting Director to assist HRH Tunku Ismail. The move was seen as a part of the privatisation process and a strategic initiative on how Malaysia football clubs should be run and managed professionally including the youth development in the region.

Shortly after, on 12 January 2016, Sultan of Johor, HRH Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar decided to give RM50 Million as a reward to the club. After performing an outstanding 2015 season (Malaysia Super League, Charity Shield and AFC Cup), Sultan Ibrahim made the decision to contribute RM50 Million as he is delighted how football in the state has united the citizens of Johor and put the state's name on the map.

In an interview published on the club's social media in early December 2016, the majority shareholder in the club is HRH Tunku Ismail himself, who holds 70% of the southern based club.

JDT Foundation

The foundation was registered on 9 August 2016.The mission behind the formation of the foundation is to collect funds and distribute aids to the development of the club.

Just days before the 2016 FA Cup Final, the club announced JDT Foundation (Malay: Yayasan JDT), expected to be launched officially in September 2016, to be the platform for JDT supporters to be more involved with the team in terms of the team's future and the development of JDT football programmes. JDT Foundation Board of Trustee Chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad said that it would give opportunity for JDT fans to actually have a "say" in the football club through proper ownership. He further stated, "We are thinking of proposing membership fees but have yet to decide on the mechanism as well as the fees. It could be like offering equity kind of ownership or probably through donations and after receiving certificate from Registrar of Companies (ROC), we will be able to embark on business ventures like in creative industry as well as services to generate income."

With the establishment of JDT Foundation, fans can become shareholders of the club and send representatives to have meetings with the club officials to understand the club’s direction and plans including its monthly financial statement which is planned to be released informing them on all expenditures and its costs. After several postponements, JDT Foundation is slated to be launched in mid January 2017.

The foundation's Membership Card launch were held at the Persada International Convention Centre, Johor Bahru on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.

Appointment of HRH Tunku Tun Aminah as JDT's President

On 27 July 2016, Tunku Tun Aminah binti Sultan Ibrahim, the sister of HRH Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, has been appointed as the President of Johor DT. Speaking at a press conference to introduce her as the new JDT president, she urges the fans and supporters to show their loyalty stand by their team at all times. Besides focusing on the youth development and attracting youth into sporting activities and active lifestyle, she is also considering to establish a JDT women's football team in the near future.

Etymology

Rebranded in 2012, Johor Darul Ta'zim FC also implied a new nickname Southern Tigers (Malay: 'Harimau Selatan'), replacing the old nickname Jengking (Scorpion). The new nickname are based from the Johor State Council coat of arms. An idea from club owner, it is also to bring a meaning for those top professional football players who represent the club.

Import Players

In early 2012, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim Johor DT President does not hold any longer, with a tight budget and proper planning Johor Darul Ta'zim FC bought key members of Malaysia national team player. Unfortunately a few of the players were implicated with disciplinary problems, hence Johor DT once again launched a new program named "Professional football team Program".

Managed to loan two European player Daniel Güiza from Getafe and Simone Del Nero from Lazio shaking the Malaysia football arena in 2013, and help to boost sponsorship from local and international company.

In 2014 Johor DT announced that the club signs Argentine Pablo Aimar for RM7.2mil a season. Later on Johor DT managed to capture a few mega companies to sponsor JDT. Pablo Aimar was released in April 2014 after new JDT head coach Bojan Hodak's request to replace him with more young talent was approved.

Other marquee players that Johor DT signed are Leonel Núñez from Argentinos Juniors, Luciano Figueroa from Panathinaikos, Patito Rodríguez from Santos, Marcos Antonio from 1. FC Nürnberg, Jorge Pereyra Díaz from Lanús, Juan Martín Lucero from Independiente and Hariss Harun from LionsXII former best young Asean player.

Kit Manufacturer

From the 1970s to 2012, the JDT team kit was manufactured by various companies including Adidas, Umbro, Lotto, & Jking.

For the 2014 season, JDT becomes the first Malaysian club to have Nike are now their official kit sponsor. The home kit's design of red and blue stripes is shaped by a blue row of lines. The away kit features design of white and blue stripes is shaped by a white row of lines. The alternate kit is design reminisce of 2013 design of royal blue navy gradient overlay with pink red.

In November 2014, Nike Malaysia created a new football kit for the JDT team specially for its 2015 AFC Champions League campaign. The home kit's design of royal navy blue and red stripes is shaped by a navy blue row of lines. The away kit features a full plain white front alternating with grey pattern boxes. The alternated kit features a full plain black.

In the eve of 2016 season, JDT's official jersey and kit will be produced by Adidas. The new kits was officially unveiled with a commercial video featuring JDT footballers showing their skills inside the Senai International Airport terminal, and a special cameo by HRH Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. The jerseys feature three different designs in red, white and blue, representing the colours of the Johor state flag.

JDT announced that they have signed a 3-year lucrative deal with Nike as they are preparing for the upcoming 2017. It will be the biggest kit sponsorship ever signed for a Malaysia club. The three-year cooperation encompassed all the teams under JDT, namely, main squad, JDT II, JDT III and JDT IV. The official kit was unveiled on 12 January 2017 in a fanfare environment simultaneously at other district centres in the State.

Dato Suleiman Mohd Noor Indoor Training Centre (Johor Bahru, Johor)

Padang Sri Gelam is the training facility for Johor Darul Ta'zim, located at Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia. The state-of-the-art training ground is the first world class football training facility ever built in Malaysia and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Besides indoor synthetic field measuring 16m by 109.2m, the building comes with the latest gym equipment, a swimming pool and ice baths similar to those available at European clubs for the players’ usage. The project is lined with the vision of HRH Tunku Ismail, who wants international-level training equipment for the players and to help those who are injured to recover faster.

After its design plans were approved in 24 December 2014, the ground breaking ceremony of the all-weather arena were held on 1 January 2015.

The development of RM15 million indoor facility was sponsored by Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The 0.8ha indoor facility were designed and built according to the requirements and specifications set by FIFA, the world's football governing body.

After its completion, it was named Dato Suleiman Mohd Noor Indoor Training Centre as a special recognition and appreciation for his contribution as the "Father of Johor Football" on 23 February 2016. It was officially opened on 21 April 2016.

Youth Development

To demonstrate his ideas and commitment to youth development in the state, HRH Tunku Ismail has entered into partnerships and built ties with various football powerhouse and individuals all over the world. To date, JDT has developed strategic partnership and collaborations with Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo (Japan) and Valencia (Spain). Besides signing new young players for development, the club has been organising competitive tournaments across all age groups and in Johor districts all year round.

When asked on JDT's partnership in youth development with Valencia in May 2016, JDT Sporting director Alistair Edwards said: "We obviously still want to concentrate on our top end and attract good players for our first team, but it's crucial for the sustainability of the club to develop our own players.

In mid January 2017, the club revealed that they have inked a three-year coaching and player development partnership with Valencia. The partnership will introduce and oversee the implementation of a long-term player development plan for JDT. This plan will be based on Valencia Academy's proven methodologies and development philosophies, adapted to JDT’s needs and context.

JDT Football Academy (Kulai, Johor)

As of late December 2015, the club is in the process of building a brand new, state-of-the-art youth academy with up to 15 football pitches, modern facilities and designed in collaboration with German giants Borussia Dortmund, who have entered into a partnership with JDT. The development of the 40-hectare academy in Kulai will be focusing to unearth local youth talents from the grassroots level and promote JDT's regional presence. While waiting for the completion of the first phase of the academy, JDT has picked several players to be placed at Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

European Training Centre (Spain)

As part of JDT's Youth Development Plan, the club has announced its plan to build a pre-season training facility in Spain on 21 June 2016. The facility will be used to accommodate JDT's young players for pre-season training, as well as for lodging of youth JDT players who will be on playing stints in Spain.

A delegation of JDT's officials has been sent to Spain to scout for prospective sites for the development of this facility. The site will either be in the region of Valencia or Barcelona.

JDT Sports City

In late January 2016, as part of HRH Tunku Ismail's continued strategic plan to develop the state's football and other programmes, the club has announced the development of JDT Sports City. The Johor state government had provided a 70-acre (28.3 hectares) plot of land for the project in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Under its blueprint, the state-of-the-art sports complex will house a new stadium, a sports complex and other sporting facilities such as a hotel, apartments and a shopping mall.

Sultan Ibrahim Larkin Stadium

Located within the vicinity of JDT Sports City, a new stadium complex will be constructed to be the new home ground of Southern Tigers. The club's new headquarter will be part of the complex. The highly anticipated new stadium will have a maximum capacity of up to 45,000 spectators and ample parking facilities. The new RM200 million stadium will be named as the Sultan Ibrahim Larkin Stadium in honour of the state's ruler.

With the cost of the construction of a new stadium and the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) Sports City is estimated between RM180 million and RM200 million, the Sultan of Johor has granted the funds needed for the construction of the project.

Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd has been given the responsibility to build the stadium. Upon its completion, the new stadium will house the main JDT team while JDT II will be playing the stadium in Larkin. The other development squads, JDT III and JDT IV will use Pasir Gudang Stadium.

Slated to be launched in January 2018, the club announced that the construction has been delayed by six months following adjustments made by HRH Tunku Ismail on the stadium’s location, technical and design changes.

JDT Corporate Jet

Besides that, JDT also became the first football team in Malaysia to have its own aircraft, when the Sultan of Johor presenting them with a Gulfstream G550 jet, registered 9M-JDT. The jet will be made ready for delivery in mid-2017.

Crest and Colours

The club crest is derived from the Johor State Council coat of arms, although all that remains of it on the current crest is only the part of the tiger Head. The Characteristic Of southern Tigers Royal government still shown by using Royal navy Blue.

In 2013, JDT used a new logo, featuring a more ferocious looking tiger and a darker colour scheme.

Sponsors

For the 2016 season, Johor Darul Ta'zim FC has secured sponsorship from 5 large corporations. Its primary sponsors include Adidas, Johor Corporation, Vantage Bay, Iskandar Waterfront Holdings and Berjaya Holdings. The funds from these companies have helped JDT FC to become one of the richest football club in Malaysia.

Supporters

Boys Of Straits (formerly known as Southern Trooper) is the name of the official supporters of the Johor Darul Ta'zim. Even in every match the JDT team played, they will be found in a group standing at the supporters area. The main colours for these supporter are usually in blue with a red scarf and banners just like the Johor Darul Ta'zim's team kits colours. These supporters always bring, drums and large colorful flags to the stadiums.

Known for their constant singing, drumming, rallying team throughout the match, they have consistently built up the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie among the fans of the club's home and away matches. Even little kids have memorised the lyrics to "Luaskan Kuasamu Johor". It has caught the attention of Hong Kong media during 2016 AFC Quarter Final battle with South China AA when they singled out South China's captain Chan Wai-ho for verbal abuse during the second leg of the tie.

"Inter Johor Firm" was created to support Johor Darul Ta'zim. The early aim of creation of IJF is to protect JDT fans in away game. But when the group fans was over capacities, IJF implicated with football hooliganism scandal. On late 2014, IJF Officially banned by Johor FA President to enter or joined any home and away Match.

Other small supporter groups that consist as regulars in Larkin Stadium are Sini Laken, Flag Pole, Brotherhood Johor and JDT-Sg (Singaporean based supporter group).

Pahang

The rivalry with Pahang began to develop in 2013 after loss 3-2 to Pahang in the J.D.T debut in MSL and an unfortunate event of overcrowding and crowd trouble during the Malaysia FA Cup semi-final 2nd Leg match at Darul Makmur Stadium on 28 May 2013, .

Since then, it has developed into an intense and fiery competition between both sides. It also has created an immense but yet exciting atmosphere for supporters and fans of both sides.

FELDA United

Beginning in 2013, with JDT's resurrection and emergence as one of Malaysia's football powerhouse to fight for the league titles and other domestic cup campaigns, Felda United is one of Malaysia's clubs who always give JDT tough competitions on the field. Between 2013 and 2016, the two sides have met on 12 occasions, with JDT triumphant six times, Felda United thrice, with the remaining three games drawn.

In 2014's edition of the Malaysia Cup competition, both clubs were set to battle it out in the semi final duel for a place in the Final. JDT went into the match to complete a double silverware of the season after winning the 2014 Super League title, whereas Felda United were trying to redeem their season with an appearance and the possibility of winning a title for the season in the final after becoming the losing side in 2014 FA Cup Final. After a dazzling thriller 4-3 Felda over JDT in a waterlogged pitch at Selayang Stadium, Felda tried to seal the deal in the return leg at Larkin. However, 2 strikes from Luciano Figueroa and another from Amri Yahyah was devastating for Felda to overcome and sending JDT to the Final 6-5 via aggregate.

Towards the end of 2015 Season, the newly crowned 2015 AFC Champs received a shocking home defeat 1-2 from Felda United by booting out JDT out of the Malaysia Cup competition in the quarter final duel. It was the first home loss for JDT since 2013.

2016 - Title Decider

In the course of 2016 season, the rivalry has become highly competitive and intense with both clubs gunning for the league title. Fierced intensity built up with both clubs trading top 2 places in the league since Match Day 5 (12 March 2016). The competitive fight reached its pinnacle on Match Day 18 (24 August 2016). Billing as "Top of the Table Clash", with JDT as the 2016 league leader and 4 remaining league games, Felda United were determined to stop JDT from creating history as the first Malaysian club to win 3 consecutive league titles. The showdown did not disappoint both fans and local football enthusiasts. Playing away at Felda United's home ground, JDT managed to win 3-2 in this mouth watering title decider. Speaking after the game in the TV interview, Felda United's coach, Irfan Bakti said: "To me, it was like a Malaysian ‘El-Clasico’ game between us and JDT. I have to congratulate them because I think they have the title in their hands now."

Ground

Johor Darul Ta'zim FC plays their games at Larkin Stadium. The stadium was originally built in 1964, with a capacity of only 15,000 people.The stadium was named after the former Menteri Besar of Johor, Tan Sri Dato Hj. Hassan Yunus.

In 1991, the stadium's capacity was doubled following extensive renovations. An athletics track, floodlight masts and media infrastructure were added to allow the ground to host major events.

The stadium was also used for the FIFA U-20 World Cup and Sukma Games.

Club records

Updated on 7 February 2017.

Note:

  1st or Champions   2nd or Runner-up   3rd place   Promotion   Relegation

Source:

First-team squad

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

On loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

Development squads

As part of the club's acquisition and subsequent rebranding in 2012, HRH Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Johor FA's President, took the decision to rename all the club's teams using the same nomenclature. In addition, Roman numerals were used to denote each team's hierarchy in the club.

In early 2014, FAM approved Johor FA's application and officially registered all the club's teams to Johor Darul Ta'zim FC

(Malaysia Premier League)

(Malaysia President's Cup)

(Malaysia Youth League)

Johor Darul Ta'zim III

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Johor Darul Ta'zim IV

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AFC Club Ranking

Current Management and Coaching Staff

Source:

Coaches statistics record

since 2013

Head Coach history

Head Coach by years (1998–present)

League

Cups

Performance in AFC competitions