The M-League can be considered if postponed after August - Ismail Sabri

The government is ready to consider granting permission for the hosting of the Malaysia League (M-League) if the football competition is held in August or September, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

However, for the time being, he said the government was unanimous in its decision to not allow any sporting events including the M-League to be organised even after the Movement Control Order (MCO) has ended.

He said the ban included a proposal to hold the competition without the presence of spectators in the stadiums.

"So far, the decision has remained. I have even mentioned a few days ago that our football league has not been allowed.

"However, if there is a formal application by the FAM (Football Association of Malaysia) or the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we will look into this matter (again).

"As I have mentioned (before), even if the MCO is terminated once again, the SOP (standard operating procedure - of preventing the spread of COVID-19) will continue.

"For example, in terms of public gathering and group sports may still not be allowed," he said at a daily press conference here on Tuesday.

Ismail Sabri said the government would reconsider the decision if the M-League were to resume in August or September, according to the advice of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

"I understand that the M-League will start in June. If so, f I think June is too close even if the MCO is terminated. Perhaps one to two months after the end of the MCO, it is too early for us to allow it.

"But if it is going to be in August or September with the aforementioned SOP, which is without spectators in the stadiums, we may be able to consider it," he said.