PARTNERS of the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have welcomed the return of Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) as an official sponsor, saying it will lift the spirits of participating teams for the new season.

Football Association of Selangor (FAS) secretary-general Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon hoped that this new cooperation would bring local football to greater heights.

“Congratulations to MFL president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin and all partners of MFL on the effort to sign an agreement with TM as the main sponsor. The return of TM will inject new spirit into all teams.

“FAS is glad that this matter has finally been settled and we hope TM will always support the Malaysian League as a sponsor. Definitely, when there are sponsors, broadcasting rights would be of interest.

“I feel that this is a very good start from TM and MFL, ” he said.

Johan believes the issue of broadcasting rights would no longer arise with the presence of TM as a sponsor and that MFL would continue to ensure the smooth running of the league.

Meanwhile, Perak Football Association honorary secretary Mohamad Azlin Mohd Nadzri said the presence of a main sponsor this season should inspire fans to continue supporting their teams.

“It definitely gives greater confidence to fans and we know they hope to see positive changes in the league competition.“I hope this is the starting point for MFL to become more professional in managing the number one sport in the country together with the support of fans, ” he added.

TM, through its subsidiary TM Multimedia, signed an agreement with MFL to be the main sponsor of the Malaysia Cup for three years beginning this season.

The three-year partnership, whose value was not disclosed, will also see TM as a joint sponsor of the Super League, Premier League, FA Cup and Challenge Cup in the Malaysian League which kicks off on Feb 28.