Sumareh is finally a local player for Pahang

KUALA LUMPUR: Pahang star Mohamadou Sumareh finally has the nod to be registered as a local in the M-League.

The Malaysia Football League's (MFL) board of directors have given the green light for the Gambia-born player following an appeal from the Pahang FA.

Last October, the MFL made an exemption and ruled that Sumareh can be registered as a local in the 2019 season’s second transfer window which opens on March 2, 2019, but Pahang have appealed to cut the cooling-off period short.

MFL chief operating officer Kevin Ramalingam said that Sumareh's performance in the national team's runners-up finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup was a factor in approving the appeal.

"The initial decision from the MFL board was to allow Sumareh registered as a local after March 2, 2019, but the date is after the first transfer window, so Pahang decided to appeal the decision," said Kevin.

"The FML board of directors deliberated on the appeal, and Sumareh's performance with the national team is a testament of his quality, so the board has decided to approve the appeal."

Meanwhile, Pahang signed a RM1.6mil sponsorship deal with Al-Ikhsan Sports which see them provide sports apparel to the east coast side's senior team, President's Cup, Youth Cup, futsal and the women's football team from 2019 to 2020 season.

Al-Ikhsan Sports chief marketing officer Mizal Ghazali said that they have always been looking to partner Pahang and added that the opening of their fourth Football Republic outlet in Kuantan on Jan 21 would cater well for state fans.

"We have always wanted to partner with Pahang since we decided to involve in the M-League. We hope this partnership will be successful and mutually beneficial for both parties," said Mizal after the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony here on Monday (Jan 14).