KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 — Kevin Ramalingam says his appointment as Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) chief executive officer (CEO) can help elevate the league’s level of professionalism.
Certain parties have questioned Kevin’s appointment as he is part of Red Card Consulting — the company hired by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to evaluate the M-League.
The 40-year-old played down the controversy.
“I have a big advantage as I’ve worked with FAM before. The association knows my capabilities,” Kevin said after his appointment yesterday.
“I had many months to deliver what FAM wanted when I was its consultant.
“FAM interviewed 10 candidates and made the decision on its own. I have an advantage because I have also been involved with the Kelantan team so I can see things from a club’s perspective too.”
Kevin is an experienced head in the local football scene, being the former managing director of Bumibola Sports consulting firm. Kevin also served as CEO for The Red Warriors FC.
Among the changes he plans to implement is transparency in running of the league.
“We have got plans, which will be shared in due time, but I promise there will be a massive change in communication.
“Among the first priorities would be to place the right personnel because we are hiring professionals from the industry to manage the league. We will ensure the value of the league increases and the clubs can reap the benefits.”
FAM general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Amin earlier confirmed Kevin’s announcement.
“The league executive board which consisted of president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, Datuk Affandi Hamzah, Datuk Mokhtar Ahmad, Datuk Norza Zakaria and myself made the decision to hire Kevin.
“Our leagues — the Super League and Premier League — will be handled by Kevin and his personnel. We are confident of his ability and we hope he can elevate the professionalism of the league,” said Hamidin, who added the national body has finalised its sponsors and will make an announcement soon.
FAM had on January 19 announced its joint partnership with international media rights company MP & Silva with the national body guaranteed RM1.26 billion over a 15-year period.
FAM and MP & Silva agreed to set up LLP to manage the M-League. LLP will manage M-League’s commercial and broadcast rights with MP & Silva acting as special advisor.
