KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Football League (MFL) expanded their corporate partnerships with a new strategic collaboration with Aeon Big.
Coming in as their 12th corporate partner for the 2023 season, MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said it is a good sign for the league, which is making changes to ensure that its quality can be improved both commercially and in competition.
“MFL and also its partners made a big decision to restructure the Malaysian League, and one of the main focuses is to further raise the league’s profile.
“Football is the biggest sport in the country and is also a big sporting industry so we need the support and involvement of corporate companies to further boost the industry,” he said in a statement.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MFL chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam said the partnership proves that the year is meant for the transformation of the league.
“This year is a transformation year for us, both from a competition structure point and commercial model.
“What I hope to do with our partners and broadcasters is to bring people back to the stadiums.
“This collaboration also gives our other partners the opportunity to work with each other,” he said at the signing ceremony in Aeon Big Wangsa Maju.
Stuart also said that the MFL is expecting to announce another corporate partner next month, while also being in discussions with two other brands for a possible future partnership.
“We are very thankful that this year has brought much commercial change in MFL. It shows that there is a change in mindset to the commercial side which we have been doing since last year,” he added.
Aeon Big managing director Sheikh Farouk Sheikh Mohamed said the hypermarket chain that was previously known as Carrefour is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the MFL.
“MFL is a leading organisation that runs the most popular sport in the country. We want to be closer to our customers through the sport of football through this partnership, because nothing brings people together better than sports.
“We are dedicated to bring ourselves closer to the community and strengthening ties with our multi-racial and multi-religious ecosystem through various initiatives,” he said.
Meanwhile, Stuart also said that most teams in the Super League have not filled their nine import player limit, compared to last year’s limit of five import players.
“The teams have shown good budgeting to ensure that the needs of imported players are in line with the team’s needs.
“This year with the flexibility to bring in nine import players, not all teams have filled them, which is a good indication,” he said. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023
