FAM near finalising major sponsorship deals with local firms

KUALA LUMPUR: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is nearing finalisation on two significant local company sponsorship deals, according to Datuk Syed Mahadi Syed Hassan, the chairman of FAM's media and marketing committee. Negotiations are reportedly in the concluding stages for these agreements, which would bolster the association's revenue.

This development is particularly crucial as FAM strives to enhance its sponsorship portfolio after falling short of its annual sponsorship target of RM15 million in the previous year. In August last year, FAM reported a shortfall of RM7 million from its target. Former marketing and sponsorship committee chairman Datuk Hisamudin Yahaya emphasized the importance of these funds for FAM's operations and preparations for the national team.

The association's sponsorship status was further challenged by a controversy in September last year, involving seven heritage players sanctioned by FIFA's disciplinary committee for using doctored documentation. As a result, FAM received a fine of 350,000 Swiss francs. Following this, Bank Islam, FAM's long-time sponsor for 12 years, requested clarification, which led to the removal of its logo from FAM's official website.

Despite these setbacks, Syed Mahadi stated that he has not received any official confirmation of sponsors withdrawing their support. He reiterated that, to his knowledge, no sponsors have officially withdrawn their backing. FAM is currently developing special programs aimed at regaining the trust of its supporters after the controversy.

Syed Mahadi took on the role of heading the combined media and marketing portfolio at an executive committee meeting on September 30.