MFL: Don’t worry, all M-League teams will get their annual grants
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) have given an assurance that despite the delay, this year’s annual grant will be paid out to all M-League teams.
MFL chairman Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said that the M-League organisers have always put the interests of their 23 stakeholders first.
Tunku Ismail added that those involved in the football industry have the right to ask questions but they should not make damaging accusations that will tarnish the image of the MFL.
Kedah Football Association president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir has raised questions recently over the delay in distributing the grant.
Last year, the MFL signed a whopping RM480mil deal with Telekom Malaysia (TM) for an eight-year deal, which would see Super League sides receiving RM3mil and Premier League teams getting RM1.5mil.
But TM failed to meet their obligations, forcing the MFL to end the sponsorship deal in March thus affecting the M-League teams’ finances.
“It’s strange that people are making it an issue claiming that MFL have an agenda and that’s why the annual grant is delayed.
“MFL’s only agenda is to develop Malaysian football. I respect his (Mukhriz) views and all teams have the right and freedom to ask questions.
“Our plans were affected after Telekom Malaysia withdrew suddenly and it affected the budget that we have planned.
“I also have a question ... why is that in the last 30 years, the Super League teams didn’t receive RM3mil and Premier League sides did not get RM1.5mil but no one said anything and now there’s a delay and everyone is asking questions?”
Tunku Ismail said that the MFL are not making excuses but instead are working hard to ensure that the grant will be sorted out soon.