Malaysia League Not in 'ICU' Yet, But is Critically Ill - AFC

In Malaysia, Utusan Malaysia reports on the dire state of the Malaysian League (Liga M), as assessed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). AFC Secretary General Datuk Seri Windsor Paul acknowledges the league is "worrying" and "tenat" (critically ill) but not yet in the "ICU" (intensive care unit), suggesting there is still hope for recovery.

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Kalau kita tengok liga-liga lain (di ASEAN) memang kompetitif dan masalah kewangan memang ada untuk liga-liga lain tetapi tidaklah setenat di Malaysia.

Paul's assessment, based on data received by AFC and FIFA, indicates that Malaysia's financial woes in its football league are more severe than those in other Southeast Asian nations. This is a stark admission, highlighting the depth of the challenges facing professional football in the country. The article implies that while other leagues grapple with financial difficulties, Malaysia's situation demands more urgent attention.

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Liga M memang tenat tapi belum masuk ICU lagi, masih ada harapan kerana bola sepak di Malaysia adalah sukan popular.

A key point raised is the slow progress of privatization, transitioning from Football Association (FA) to Football Club (FC). Paul suggests this lengthy process has been a major impediment. He stresses the need for clubs to appoint competent individuals to manage various departments, including finance, marketing, and media, to steer the league towards recovery.

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Tentang penswastaan Liga M, daripada FA ke FC saya rasa terlalu lama dan itulah saya rasa menjadi masalah sangat besar pada masalah ini, jika langkah pertama penswastaan tidak betul.

Furthermore, the AFC official emphasizes that true professional football hinges on financial self-sufficiency. Clubs should aim to generate the majority of their income—75% to 80%—from core football activities like sponsorships, broadcasting rights, ticket sales, and merchandise. Relying heavily on government funding (50-60%), he argues, signifies amateur football, not professional. This perspective challenges the current financial models of Malaysian clubs and calls for a fundamental shift towards sustainable revenue generation.

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Kita selalu mengatakan kewangan kelab, hasilnya 75 ke 80 peratus seharusnya daripada aktiviti bola sepak sendiri, contohnya penaja, hak penyiaran, tiket, jersi, cenderamata dan sebagainya.