Courtesy: The Star On Line


Economic slowdown: Futsal league can’t start

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Futsal League (NFL) due to kick off today has been postponed.

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) general secretary, Datuk Azzud­din Ahmad, announced yesterday that the postponement was made at the request of Felda, the main sponsors of the NFL, in light of the uncertain economic situation.

He added that in a letter to the FAM two weeks ago, Felda also suggested that the FAM should instead organised futsal carnivals as had been done previously.

Azzuddin said that the FAM counter-proposed that Felda continued to sponsor the league but on a smaller scale.

The NFL was to have featured 24 men’s and 24 women’s teams and it offered a total prize money of RM213,000.

Meanwhile, Azzuddin said the FAM had appointed Zaid Jamaludin as their new media officer and that he would begin work on Nov 22.





Courtesy: New Straits Times


Felda postpones futsal league

By Christopher Raj

IN a surprise move, Felda, who were committed to develop Futsal in the country, has written to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) that the proposed RM3 million national futsal league is now postponed.

It is learnt that Felda needed to slash their budget in view of the current economic situation.

The Felda-FAM Futsal league, which was suppose to kick off today, was to encompass a 10-leg circuit, FA Cup and league championship.

"We received a letter from Felda last week stating that they are unable to start the proposed competition, and have requested for a postponement," said FAM general secretary Lt (Jen) Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad yesterday.

While there is still no agreement signed by either party, there is possibility that the competition will be called off, and instead a carnival-like competition will be organised.

FAM Futsal Committee chairman, Hamidin Amin said: "We met (with Felda) and had a lengthy discussion and they had asked for time to settle certain things in their organisation which needs funding."

The Felda-FAM Futsal Championship was supposed to be held till 2011 with 14 states and clubs affiliated to FAM competing. It's sole purpose was to spot talent for the national team.

Hamidin added: "When we met before the Hari Raya celebrations, Felda agreed to run the tournament. They also agreed to other terms and conditions. But they have now written to the secretariat stating that they needed to change certain things. We are waiting for a reply which should come in the next few days.

"There is a strong possibility they may reduce their sponsorship and the circuit from 10 legs to five."






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com