Privatisation process: 21 football teams now FCs - Reezal Merican

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the clubs’ privatisation process should be seen as a form of separation in terms of responsibility, scope and significant role between FAs and FCs.

“Football associations or FAs play the role of a governing body leading towards the development of grassroots talent, governance and management of local competitions.

“Football clubs, meanwhile, are more inclined towards the management of the teams in taking part in professional and elite competitions,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Reezal Merican said this in reply to a question by Nik Mohamad Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz (PAS-Bachok), who sought clarification regarding the development and prospect of privatising the Malaysia League (M-League).

On the privatisation of the M-League, Reezal Merican explained that the decision is seen as a success following the surge in commercial value for competitions under the league, such as the Super League, Premier League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.

He said bidding processes were also carried out to decide the companies that would be the main sponsor, commercial partner, broadcasting partner and others for the M-League.

“Among the companies which used to be the main sponsors were Telekom Malaysia (TM), Astro, CIMB, Watsons and Shopee. in fact, the competitions were also managed in a more systematic, transparent and competitive manner.

“This has attracted more sponsors. Proceeds and funds from commercial sponsorships have been channelled back to MFL (Malaysian Football League) partners in the form of payment as broadcasting rights,” he said, adding that the privatisation process of the football league in Malaysia started back in 2015 through the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and MFL.

He expects the privatisation process to undergo a period of transition and growth.

“In my discussions with FAM, they have a realistic plan while trying to transform and modernise professional football under the FC process. They also aim to refocus the responsibility of state football associations towards the development of the game in their respective states.

“This move is clearly appropriate towards strengthening the national football ecosystem,” he said.