KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 ― A Malaysian team playing in the Australian League (A-League) can become a reality for the 2017 season.
Former Australian international, David Mitchell, has the mandate from an A-League consortium to look into a team from Asean region to compete in the A-League but with first preference going to Malaysia.
The former Selangor player and more recently Kedah coach, when meeting MailSport last week, said he has already mentioned the proposal to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and is awaiting their feedback.
“While they agreed it would be difficult for FAM to send a team to the A-League because of the duration and also to assemble the national team for fulltime, they said there are other ways to go round the problem,” said Dave.
“Without doubt the possibility of playing in the A-League will help uplift Malaysian football and also give it a new dimension to football in the country.”
Dave said teams like Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) or Selangor — two teams who are professional, have a huge following and big names in Malaysian football — can consider competing in the A-League.
“JDT already have a second team in the Malaysian League, thus they send their first team to compete in the A-League. Selangor have to assemble a second team to play in the M-League while the first team play in the A-League.
“Another option would be to form a Kuala Lumpur United (KL United) team for the M-League. Here probably the FAM or even a private entity can be involved in the formation of the team.”
Dave said logistically it will not be a problem because Australian teams already travel long distances to play in the A-League.
“In fact, it’s faster to travel to Malaysia than some parts in Australia.
“Cost-wise it will not be an issue as a substantial subsidy is given to participating teams besides travel also taken care of by the Football Federation of Australia.
“The Malaysian team travelling to Australia can play two matches in a trip.
“Besides the benefit of the development of the game it will be a tourism boost for both countries as supporters will travel with the team. Crowds at the stadium is also expected to be at a maximum.”
Dave said another alternative, if fielding a Malaysian team is not feasible, would be to buy an Australia team who are already competing in the A-League.
“It would roughly cost about A$6 million (RM18 million) to buy a team in Australia and the team can use Kuala Lumpur as their home ground. Malaysian players can play for the team besides other benefits like development collaboration and attachment.
“At worst, it can be a joint management of the team by buying half of the team.
“It’s a feasible and workable option and Malaysia should consider it if they want to take football to the next level.”
Dave said he is even looking at more than one team from the region and will be taking his proposal to Thailand and Indonesia, too.
Asked if an Asean team will be an option and working with the Asean Football Federation (AFF), Dave said he is open to a situation which is workable.
“My only concern is where the team are going to be based and how the players are going to be assembled,” said Dave.
Indeed, being part of the A-League will be a boost to Malaysian football both the development of the game and also to elevate the interest of the game among Malaysian fans.
