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| Pix courtesy: utusan.com.my |
1. Looking back, what would you consider as FMLLP's top 3 achievements last year?
I think among the top achievements of FMLLP in its inaugural year was the realignment of the calendar and transfer windows to coincide with international windows instead of us having our own window that doesn't match anyone else. This in the long run should lead to a bigger and better pool for the teams to choose from which will help them technically and also indirectly in an economic sense.
The
calendar also allowed for all teams to play till the end of the season
instead of 33% of the teams only being able to play for half a season.
In the long run, this will lead to greater sustainability technically
and commercially.
However I think the greatest
indicator of what is to come from the formation of FMLLP was the fact
that the teams themselves voted to keep the calendar as it is for 2017.
This is significant because it proves that the concept of FMLLP where
the power to determine the teams' future lies with the teams themselves
is taking shape. This is a great sign for the future.
2. To what extent has the privatisation of M-League been a success?
I think the success of privatisation will only be able to be seen for real in 5-10 years, when the effects of things like club licensing are evident. But now I guess we can see small wins along the way. Greater commercial interest is definitely evident already.
I think the success of privatisation will only be able to be seen for real in 5-10 years, when the effects of things like club licensing are evident. But now I guess we can see small wins along the way. Greater commercial interest is definitely evident already.
3. What lessons have been learnt from last season?
The lessons that we have learnt from last season is that no matter what you plan for there are instances where regulation, policies or processes are tested and must be refined. We must always be willing to review and refine.
The lessons that we have learnt from last season is that no matter what you plan for there are instances where regulation, policies or processes are tested and must be refined. We must always be willing to review and refine.
4. A number of teams have been facing various problems. Comments?
Teams or even the league seen to be having problems are part and parcel of change. If we are afraid of problems and are not willing to face them then there can be no change. Even the problems faced by the teams now is leading to change. We can't be afraid of this.
Teams or even the league seen to be having problems are part and parcel of change. If we are afraid of problems and are not willing to face them then there can be no change. Even the problems faced by the teams now is leading to change. We can't be afraid of this.
5. How much money is paid to teams whose games are shown live?
Money for live games was proposed as part of the point system distribution originally. But, this was changed at the FAM exco in late 2015 to a higher cash payment at the start of the season for each team. It is my hope that as income increases, then this point system can be implemented.
Money for live games was proposed as part of the point system distribution originally. But, this was changed at the FAM exco in late 2015 to a higher cash payment at the start of the season for each team. It is my hope that as income increases, then this point system can be implemented.
6. Could you update us on the status of MP & Silva as the special partner as well as the current and future implications on M-League?
I've been asked about the issue of the special partner and how it affects FMLLP. I think what everyone needs to understand is that FMLLP was set up before any special partner came on board. Thus should anything happen to an agreement between the general partner and any special partner, it does not effect the core of what FMLLP is, which is a partnership between the 24 teams and FAM. In the long term context of FMLLP, partners will change, but the core of what FMLLP is should remain as this partnership between the teams and FAM lends stability and long term sustainability to our local game.
I've been asked about the issue of the special partner and how it affects FMLLP. I think what everyone needs to understand is that FMLLP was set up before any special partner came on board. Thus should anything happen to an agreement between the general partner and any special partner, it does not effect the core of what FMLLP is, which is a partnership between the 24 teams and FAM. In the long term context of FMLLP, partners will change, but the core of what FMLLP is should remain as this partnership between the teams and FAM lends stability and long term sustainability to our local game.
7. According to certain critics, FMLLP is just duplicating FAM's functions. Comments?
Duplicating FAM's functions? Well, we do have to run the league while FAM also runs the FAM Cup etc so there is certainly some duplication there. You can't avoid that I feel. In the long run, the separation between the two will become more and more evident. But, because FAM governs football in Malaysia and it is the general partner of FMLLP, there will always be areas where the two cross. Critics will always try to nit pick even at the obvious. In this instance, I think the obvious thing is that both FAM and FMLLP run football competitions. So there is bound to be some duplication, but whether we both do things exactly the same way or not will be the definition of how far they grow apart in the coming years.
Duplicating FAM's functions? Well, we do have to run the league while FAM also runs the FAM Cup etc so there is certainly some duplication there. You can't avoid that I feel. In the long run, the separation between the two will become more and more evident. But, because FAM governs football in Malaysia and it is the general partner of FMLLP, there will always be areas where the two cross. Critics will always try to nit pick even at the obvious. In this instance, I think the obvious thing is that both FAM and FMLLP run football competitions. So there is bound to be some duplication, but whether we both do things exactly the same way or not will be the definition of how far they grow apart in the coming years.
8. Why does FMLLP still allow teams(s) with rather huge debts and arrears due to players to participate in our League?
The debt issues are issues that we must handle step by step. Most people assume that the barring of teams participating is the answer, and it probably will be, but in order for us to get there we have to be responsible also for the rest of the stakeholders as well. Remember, FMLLP must adopt a point of view that is friendly to fans, teams, players, sponsors, broadcasters, media, etc etc. Being responsible towards all parties sometimes ends up being seen as being irresponsible to some. Action is being taken to correct the debt issues and yes it may ultimately result in the barring of a team from participating. But the right process must be put in place to get there, it can't be just a shoot from the hip or off the cuff reaction. It is much deeper and more sensitive than most care to understand.
The debt issues are issues that we must handle step by step. Most people assume that the barring of teams participating is the answer, and it probably will be, but in order for us to get there we have to be responsible also for the rest of the stakeholders as well. Remember, FMLLP must adopt a point of view that is friendly to fans, teams, players, sponsors, broadcasters, media, etc etc. Being responsible towards all parties sometimes ends up being seen as being irresponsible to some. Action is being taken to correct the debt issues and yes it may ultimately result in the barring of a team from participating. But the right process must be put in place to get there, it can't be just a shoot from the hip or off the cuff reaction. It is much deeper and more sensitive than most care to understand.
9. The practise of fining teams for fans' misbehaviour. Some quarters have seen it in a cynical way. Is it appropriate and fair to the clubs?
Punishing teams for fan behaviour is not unique to Malaysia. Globally this is the practice. Whilst my opinion on some decisions may differ, I don't see an alternative thats workable at the moment.
Punishing teams for fan behaviour is not unique to Malaysia. Globally this is the practice. Whilst my opinion on some decisions may differ, I don't see an alternative thats workable at the moment.
10. What do you see as the likely effects of FAM's top leadership's tussle on FMLLP and the league?
Any change in FAM will certainly have some effects on FMLLP as FAM is the general partner in FMLLP. Any change in policies will also affect FMLLP as FMLLP is aligned to the national agenda, thus we must cooperate. So it's impossible to say that changes in FAM will not affect FMLLP.
Any change in FAM will certainly have some effects on FMLLP as FAM is the general partner in FMLLP. Any change in policies will also affect FMLLP as FMLLP is aligned to the national agenda, thus we must cooperate. So it's impossible to say that changes in FAM will not affect FMLLP.
11. What can fans and football enthusiasts look forward to this season
I think the fans will be able to look forward to some progress on Media Prima's end with the broadcast. The online management platform will also help teams keep better records and manage player suspensions etc better. And I guess one key aspect is that we are able to deliver more statistics this year than any previous year prior. These are all things we are hoping to perfect this season.
I think the fans will be able to look forward to some progress on Media Prima's end with the broadcast. The online management platform will also help teams keep better records and manage player suspensions etc better. And I guess one key aspect is that we are able to deliver more statistics this year than any previous year prior. These are all things we are hoping to perfect this season.
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