PETRONAS has firmly denied circulating claims on social media that it is the principal sponsor of the Bangladesh Football League, stressing that the company has not entered into any agreements related to the league or authorised the use of its name and brand in connection with the tournament.
In a statement issued on Monday, the national oil and gas giant said it takes matters concerning the integrity of its brand seriously, remaining focused on delivering value to its stakeholders and the communities in which it operates.
The rumours first gained traction on Sunday evening after reports from several local sports portals suggested Petronas had entered into a high-profile sponsorship deal with the Bangladeshi league.
A social media post from the league’s official Facebook page appeared to introduce Petronas as the main sponsor for the 2025–2026 season, stating, “The wait is over! PETRONAS brings the Bangladesh Football League,” with the competition scheduled to kick off on November 24 featuring eight teams.
The speculation sparked questions among fans and observers in Malaysia about the company’s priorities, particularly given the ongoing financial struggles and sponsorship gaps facing domestic football.
Former Malaysia Football League (MFL) board member Datuk Christopher Raj voiced his concern, questioning why Petronas would allegedly invest abroad instead of supporting local competitions.
“Why don’t they support football in our country? Why doesn’t Petronas provide funding to Liga M? Why are they giving money to Bangladesh?” he said.
He highlighted the disparity between Malaysian and Bangladeshi football, noting that Malaysian clubs such as Johor DT and Selangor participate in top-tier Asian competitions like the AFC Champions League, whereas Bangladesh has no representation at that level. “The Malaysian league is far more valuable than the Bangladesh league,” he added.
The announcement had also reignited broader debates about the financial stability of domestic football, the continuity of teams, and the sufficiency of funding to strengthen the development of the sport in Malaysia.
Petronas’ clarification aims to dispel the confusion and reaffirm that the company’s investments in sports sponsorship remain carefully considered and aligned with its strategic objectives. - November 24, 2025
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