PUTRAJAYA: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican does not rule out the possibility of an earlier return of fans to stadiums to watch Malaysia League (M-League) matches this season based on the good work being carried out by various parties.
He said that for now, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) only need to work out the sports management protocol so that it does not violate the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
Once this has been detailed, the ministry plans to present the issue of allowing fans back into stadiums with the National Security Council (MKN) as early as next week.
"The exact date (for presenting the matter) cannot be confirmed because the MKN meetings currently are also uncertain," he told reporters after launching the Sports Industry Financing Scheme here today.
Last week, at the launch of the 2021 M-League campaign, Reezal Merican gave an assurance that the application for fans to be present in stadiums would be made two months after the start of the M-League, which is based on the sports bubble concept.
SPORTS-FOOTBALL (FANS) 2 (LAST) PUTRAJAYA
However, rumours began to circulate that fans would be allowed to attend matches in stadiums as early as during FIFA's window for international matches this month.
"What I meant when I spoke at the recent M-League was that if we could do it (get fans back into stadiums) in a month, it would be a bonus.
"But if not, let's hope it won't be more than two months," he explained.
The M-League, involving the Super League and Premier League, kicked off on March 5.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Thu Mar 11 2021
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican does not rule out the possibility of an earlier return of fans to stadiums to watch Malaysia League (M-League) matches this season. BERNAMA pic
China promises Latin America 'trustworthy' ties as Trump lays out demands
Beijing looks to improve its foothold in a region historically under the US sphere of influence.
Major risks loom as Trump upends US Russia policy
Washington's approach changes dramatically with the initial meeting between US and Russian negotiators.
Pope Francis has double pneumonia, complicating his treatment, Vatican says
Doctors say a polymicrobial infection occurs when two or more micro-organisms are involved and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Philippines' VP Duterte challenges impeachment before Supreme Court
Sara Duterte makes her first legal move to fight the case that could lead to her removal and lead to a lifetime ban from public office.
Motor racing - Hamilton steps out in red at unprecedented 10 team F1 launch
I feel so full of life, so much energy, because everything's new and I'm just focused on what is up ahead, Hamilton says.
UAE tells US' Rubio it rejects displacement of Palestinians
The UAE's stance matters as its one of four Arab nations that normalised ties with Israel during Trumps first term.
Taylor Swift wins recording artist of the year crown for fifth time
The megastar's "The Tortured Poets Department" record also topped four IFPI charts, the IFPI says.
More than $50 billion needed to rebuild Gaza, World Bank joint assessment says
Years of rebuilding work, including clearing unexploded ordinance and millions of tonnes of rubble lie ahead.
Malaysia’s AI data centre development to be impacted by recent US restrictions - Liew
Liew Chin Tong says the restrictions would not affect the development of the domestic data centre ecosystem as a whole.
Sweden's top court rejects Greta Thunberg lawsuit on climate action
A court cannot decide that the parliament or the government must take any specific action, the Supreme Court says.
![[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream](https://resizer-awani.eco.astro.com.my/tr:w-177,h-100,q-100,f-auto/https://img.astroawani.com/2024-10/51728873693_EMIR.jpg "[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream")
[COLUMNIST] Trump’s Gaza (pipe) dream
The Gaza plan is dangerous and counter-productive as it's merely another recipe for regional instability.
Sivasangari eyes new career-high in world rankings
After climbing to a career-best world number seven, national women's squash ace S. Sivasangari is determined to keep rising.
Outburst against Steven Sim: DAP will probe if there's a complaint - Loke
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke says the disciplinary committee has not received any reports related to the incident so far.
US judge will not block Elon Musk from firing federal workers, accessing data
The case raises questions about Musk's apparent unchecked authority as a top deputy to President Donald Trump.
Dozens of false killer whales stranded on remote Australian beach
Rescue crews trying to save the majority of the large dolphins that survived the ordeal, according to authorities.
Trump restricts AP access over Gulf of Mexico issue
The AP, citing editorial standards, says it would continue to use the gulf's established name.
China to fly back 200 nationals rescued from Myanmar scam centres, Thai official says
This is part of a multinational effort to crack down on illegal online operations run from the region.
Somber Tiger Woods back in action in TGL loss to New York GC
Tiger Woods makes his first start since the death of his mother when he competed in a TGL match at Palm Beach Gardens.
Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro charged in alleged coup plot
A total of 34 people were charged, including several military officials.
Trump and Musk target tax enforcers, rocket scientists, bank regulators for job cuts
Concerns grow over transparency, oversight, and Musk's influence on government operations.