MELAKA, May 12 — The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) wants the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to improve player safety, especially during match-day travel to and from stadiums and accommodations, starting this week.
Its deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi stressed the importance of taking player safety seriously, especially after recent incidents involving three footballers.
“These incidents need to be taken seriously... proactive measures must be taken because unforeseen circumstances can occur, especially after matches conclude.
“Safety control needs maximum attention for all teams not only at the stadium but also when players are commuting to and from the stadium,” he said.
Yusoff was speaking to the press after attending a Hari Raya open house hosted by Malaysian Karate Federation (Makaf) president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad in Ujong Pasir yesterday night.
Having such measures taken might increase the workload for MFL and state football associations, but player safety must be prioritised to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
FAM also hopes that the recent incidents will be the last in the history of Malaysian football, he said.
Yusoff, the Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman, said that even the M3 League, now renamed the Semi-Pro A1 League, must prioritise safety measures.
Former national players participating in this competition also require similar attention as those in the premier league.
“AFL will detail safety aspects for players before the Semi-Pro League begins next month,” he said.
— Bernama
