FIFA’s huge grant no help for teams in M-League

FIFA’s US$1.5bil (RM6.4bil) relief plan to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic might not mean much for the M-League teams.

The world football’s governing will disburse a “universal solidarity grant” of US$1mil (RM4.29mil) in two stages to all 211 national associations with an additional US$500,000 (RM2.145mil) for women’s football.

The member associations are also eligible for an interest-free loan, up to 35% of their audited latest revenue statement to FIFA.

The solidarity grant covers not only top-level club football but also national teams, women’s football, lower-tier domestic league, youth, grassroots games, and other stakeholders.

FAM are not obliged to disburse any of the grant to cash-strapped M-League teams, or may choose to give very small sums to the teams.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stressed that there would be strict controls on the use of funds, audit requirements, as well as clear loan repayment conditions.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Stuart Ramalingam said they have not received the full details of the FIFA’s relief plans.

“We lost out on our matchday income following the postponement of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers earlier this year and the FIFA’s assistance will help cover the losses,” he said.

“This is a solidarity payment to all 211 FIFA members ... all affiliates will get the same amount regardless of their position in the world. FIFA are also very clear that any excess from the grant should be used for development.”

“Every expenditure needs to be accounted for and recorded as FIFA are very strict with finance. We have to keep that in mind and we cannot simply spend the money. The additional US$500,000 is to reactivate women’s football and we will discuss with our committees their plans for the women’s game.”

“As for FIFA’s relief loan, we don’t know the procedures yet. We are unable to make a decision before we get the finer details from FIFA.”