FAM: Import players will help elevate domestic futsal scene

PETALING JAYA: The presence of import players in the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL) will fuel local stars to shine bright.

Boasting a line-up of 14 imported players in Division 1 of the league, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) vice president and chairman of Futsal and Beach Soccer Committee Datuk Seri Rosmadi Ismail said the inclusion of foreign players can boost the domestic futsal scene.

“We see that these players have the quality that they bring with them. Their skills and knowledge can help our local players develop their game and eventually improve the league’s quality,” he said when met at the MPFL’s season-opening ceremony on Saturday.

Of the 14 imports, 11 are from Brazil while three players are from Indonesia, South Korea, and Afghanistan respectively.

With the league split into two divisions this year, Rosmadi said there will be eight clubs in the top flight while there are seven teams in the second tier.

“Tentatively we expect to start the second division in May.

“We already have confirmation from seven teams so now we have to sort things out on the technical side before they start playing,” he said.

After the opening ceremony at the Shah Alam National Sports Complex, the league’s first fixture saw last year’s Futsal Cup champions Pahang Rangers drew 6-6 with Shah Alam City.

Pahang’s next fixture will see them take on Selangor on Feb 25 while Shah Alam City will prepare themselves for battle against Kuala Lumpur City on the same day.