DIFFERENT REACTIONS OVER TM ISSUE
Mixed response to MFL’s decision to end sponsorship deal
WORRIES, unease and support. These were among the mixed responses from some of Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) affiliates following the decision to cancel an eight-year sponsorship contract with Telekom Malaysia (TM) worth RM480 million.
On Friday, the MFL announced they had ended the eight-year contract with TM after reaching a unanimous decision in a board meeting in Johor Baru.
FA of Selangor secretary general Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon has urged MFL to quickly find a replacement.
“It’s definitely a big blow as a lot of teams depend on the annual grant (RM3 million for Super League and RM1 million for Premier League),” he said.
“If the MFL is not able to find a replacement, then more players and coaches will suffer from non-payment of salaries.”
PJ City deputy president Chandragesan Suppiah admitted he was shocked by the news.
“We have not been informed officially of the problem but the impact would be everyone’s concern especially when it comes to the grant because I’m sure that’s the financial model each team depends on,” said Chandragesan.
Chandragesan, who said his team have not received the RM3 million, said he believes TM’s decision could be due to financial reason and not “political” as speculated by some parties.
“I don’t think so (political involvement) because there must be some financial reason to it but whatever it is, we will wait for the board meeting soon.”
Kuala Lumpur FA secretary general Nokman Mustaffa remained calm about the situation as he considered other alternatives.
“We have to wait and accept the facts. We are not too worried about it because if we don’t get the grant, then we have to find our own source of monetary means.
“If we don’t receive it, then we need to turn to our sponsor, a developer, as we still have March and April salaries to meet,” added Nokman.
Meanwhile, PKNS stand by MFL’s board decision. Their secretary general Md Adi Harmizi Ariffin said: “PKNS trust the decision was made after a thorough evaluation for the sake of local football development.”
Adi added he is sure the other affiliates are relieved to hear MFL chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam has guaranteed that the annual grant will still be given to the 24 stakeholders despite TM’s absence this season.
Perak FA honorary secretary Tajul Hasnan Omar said they are optimistic MFL are working hard to overcome the issue.
“We were informed of MFL board of directors’ decision to end the contract with TM and although it was shocking, Perak trust MFL will do its best to find a solution with another sponsor,” he said.