PUTRAJAYA, March 1 -- The Malaysia Football League (MFL) has managed to secure RM33.4 million in sponsorship, including the match broadcasting rights to ensure that the 2021 season runs smoothly.
Without revealing details of the sponsors, MFL president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin announced that they expect several other sponsors to come onboard, but it was still at discussion stage.
“Until now, the total sponsorship stands at RM33,428,000 and the amount includes broadcasting rights, and sponsorship of services and in kind.
“That is the total we have managed to secure during the COVID-19 pandemic and we actually have several sponsorship opportunities that are in discussion stage and unsigned, so we hope that there will be an increase soon,” he said at the 2021 M-League launch here today.
The launch was officiated by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and was also attended by MFL chief executive officer Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan and National Sports Council director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail.
Last November, two companies, CIMB and AirAsia ended their sponsorship deals for the 2021 M-League before the budget airline stated its interest in being a sponsor for this season in December.
Last season witnessed the disruption of the M-League with the number of matches reduced and the cancellation of several tournaments, including the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
Meanwhile, Ab Ghani said as the MFL grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, it also received criticism from football fans who were not allowed to enter stadiums due to the enforcement of the standard operating procedure (SOP).
“The majority of them began to realise how precious and strong the spirit of brotherhood among fans of the league.
“So I am very confident and believe that the 2021 M-League will not only receive wide support but will also be the high point where the league has quality and great potential,” he explained.
The M-League campaign will kick off with 2020 Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim facing off with Kedah Darul Aman FC for the Charity Shield at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri this Friday.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
