Big boost: FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman (left) and Carsome Academy chief executive officer Teoh Jiun Ee posing for a photograph during the MoU signing ceremony. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will take it upon themselves to improve grassroots football following the abolition of the MFL Cup.
FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the body have accepted the decision made by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to discontinue the competition.
“We accept the decision by MFL and we are ready. We are not too concerned because we have a plan with the President and Youth Cup,” said Azman after signing a sponsorship deal with used car trading platform Carsome in Johor Baru yesterday.
“This is our focus on grassroots development and we will work doubly hard for these two competitions.”
In a statement issued by MFL yesterday, the move to take it off was unanimously agreed by all the league partners.
The decision was made after MFL discovered that clubs had incurred high expenses in terms of players’ salaries and logistical operations, amounting to RM28mil in total costs for all Super League clubs.
There are also concerns that players who are part of the MFL Cup might struggle to look for clubs but Azman said he will look into the matter.
“We will discuss with AFL (Amateur Football League), whose president is our deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi shortly and our technical director.
“We are not worried because we always have a plan. Whatever decision is made by MFL, we are ready. “
Meanwhile, FAM signed a two-year sponsorship deal with Carsome as the official automotive partnership for the national teams under the purview of the footballing body.
As part of this collaboration, Carsome will provide 15 vehicles over the next two years, ensuring the men, women and management teams travel in reliability and comfort while seamlessly managing their logistical requirements throughout the game seasons.
Carsome also has an education arm, which will offer exclusive discounts and referral incentives for the National Team and FAM members on automotive TVET, soft skills, and technical skills programmes.
This initiative is aimed at equipping players and FAM personnel with valuable industry knowledge and practical skills, empowering them with opportunities for professional growth beyond their sporting careers.
