Economic slowdown won’t stop the ball rolling for MFL.
MFL insist they can still draw new sponsors despite economic slowdown
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) believe they can still secure new sponsors for the 2021 M-League season despite the expected economic downturn next year.
The M-League has already lost CIMB Group Holdings Berhad and AirAsia Berhad as sponsors but MFL chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Ghani Hassan (pic) is still bullish about securing new partnerships.
He said that telecommunications company Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is still committed to being the main sponsor for the 2021 M-League, while isotonic drink manufacturer F&N 100Plus had agreed to continue its sponsorship in the form of goods only, without involving cash sponsorship like last season’s deal.
Ghani added that online shopping platform Shopee’s status as a sponsor next season is still under discussion.
“I hope everyone, especially football fans, won’t panic due to the loss of sponsors. MFL will make sure that the M-League will continue like normal and we are in the midst of discussions with several parties who have expressed their interest to join us as new sponsors,” said Ghani.
“We welcome new parties to come on board with us and MFL’s doors are always open for anyone who are interested in new ventures for the upcoming season and also seasons after that.
“I hope our partners, the teams in the MFL continue to persevere during these testing times. We will have to endure a tough time but MFL are focused on and committed to making the M-League financially strong.”
The M-League are set for a return next February with Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) taking on Kedah in the season-opening Charity Shield on Feb 26.
The Super League and second-tier Premier League fixtures will run from Feb 17-Aug 21 while the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup have been scheduled from March 2-Sept 11 and Sept 17-Nov 27 respectively.