A Malaysian team playing in the Australian League (A-League) can
become a reality for the 2017 season.
Former Australian international, David Stuart Mitchell, has been given
the mandate by an Australian A’League consortium to look into a team from Asean
region to compete in the A-League but first preference going to Malaysia.
The former Selangor players and more recently Kedah coach, when met
last week said that he has already mentioned the proposal to the Football
Association of Malaysia (FAM) and is awaiting their feedback.
“While he agreed that it would be difficult for FAM to send a team to
the League because of the duration and also to assemble the national team for
fulltime, he said there are other ways to go round the problem,” said Dave as
he his known in the football circle.
“Without doubt the possibility of playing in the A-League will help
uplift Malaysian football and also giving it a new dimension to football in the
country.”
Dave said teams like Johor Darul Ta’qim (JDT) or Selangor – two teams
who are very professional, have a huge following and big names in Malaysian
football – can consider competing in the A-League.
“JDT already has a second team in the Malaysian League, thus they send
their first team to compete in the A-League. Selangor has to assemble a second
team to play in the M-League while the first team plays in the A-League.
“Another option would be to form a Kuala Lumpur United (KL United)
team and send them to compete in the M-League. Here probably the FAM or even a
private entity can be involved in the formation of the team.”
Dave said that logistically it will not be a problem because Australia
teams already travel long distances to play in the A-League.
“Infact, it is faster to travel to Malaysian then 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 FA.
“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 that 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 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 is a very feasible and workable option and Malaysia should
seriously consider it if they want to take Malaysian football to the next
level.”
Dave said that 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 is 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.
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