Courtesy: E-Media


Futsal/KL 5: Azalina pulls the plug

S.S. Dhaliwal

THE Sports Ministry have decided not to sponsor the KL 5s Futsal tournament this year.

Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said told Mailsport her Ministry do not want to foot the bill for the World 5s and the organisers, ESPN have been informed.

The tournament is scheduled for next month.

It is believed the sponsorship amounted to US$1.5 million (RM5.7million).

“The money can be put to better use to promote futsal in the country,” she said.

“This is inline with the Ministry’s vision of bringing sports to the masses.

“The organisers are free to get other sponsors who are willing to support the event.

“But the Sports Ministry will not pump in money to host the competition.”

The World 5s futsal tournament was initially organised biennially and was held in Singapore until 2001.

The event was formerly known as the Tigers 5s but ESPN held it in Malaysia last year.

The Sports Ministry played a major role in the decision as Rakan Muda were the presenting sponsor.

At the time, it was said the event would be held in Kuala Lumpur over the next three years.

“The Rakan Muda commitment was for one year and our decision is not in breach of any contract” said Azalina.

A world class field participated in last year’s KL 5s, which offered US$150,000 (RM570,000) in prize money.

Among the teams that participated were former world champions Brazil, England, Italy, Holland, Russia, Iran, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan and Malaysia.