MFL ready to host FAM Cup if needed — Kevin

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) is ready to take over the hosting of the FAM Cup if called on, said its chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam.

He said that since MFL already organised tournaments in the Malaysia League (M-League), it would not be a problem for them to take over the hosting of the third division league from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).

“For now it’s all rumours, nothing confirmed. I think we will know more in the coming weeks. Usually, we will discuss any rumours or news about MFL at our weekly meetings.

“The MFL management and secretariat have already discussed whether we have the resources in terms of manpower and time to organise it if requested (to host it),” he told reporters after the soft launch of the World Football Summit Asia (WFSA) yesterday.

He was asked to comment on speculation that MFL would take over the FAM Cup after just six teams confirmed their participation in the semiprofessional league in 2019. Fourteen teams signed up for this season before two pulled out.

The MFL now organises the two top M-League divisions - Super League and Premier League.

Kevin said the success of the amateur and community leagues, where young and talented players begin their careers, played crucial roles in the success of the professional league.

“Our Division Three is part of the M-League pyramid and we have to make sure the pyramid is stable and successful. If asked to organise it, we will conduct an in-depth study to find out why there are only six teams left in a league which once boasted 18 teams.

“If we need to draft or change something to ensure the sustainability of amateur football, we will do it. I notice that the FAM League, which should remain an amateur setup, or at least semi-pro, has become like the Premier League as well,” he said.

To compete in the Super League, which is the highest in the M-League, teams must first play in the FAM League, where the two top teams will then be promoted to the Premier League the following season.

Likewise, the two top teams in the Premier League will also be promoted to the Super League.

The two bottom teams from each league will also be relegated.