Immigration FC eyes Darulaman Stadium as Super League home
The team, which falls under the Home Ministry's purview, will be based in the north to offer supporters in Kedah and Perlis the opportunity to back a Super League side on home turf, said Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said IFC, one of two teams under the ministry set to feature in the Super League next season, began intensive training in July, with Kedah chosen as the team's preparation base.
"There are already many teams in the Klang Valley. But in the north, Perlis and Kedah — once dominant forces in Malaysian football — are no longer in the Super League. That's why we're stationing IFC here," he said during a press conference at the Raia Hotel and Convention Centre yesterday.
"This gives northern football fans a new option, a Super League team they can follow much closer to them."
For now, IFC will play home matches at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang, pending approval to use Darulaman Stadium. The team will train at the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) headquarters stadium in Alor Star.
Saifuddin said the Datuk Sheikh Ahmad Stadium in Arau is also being considered once upgrade works are completed in the coming months.
"We've submitted our application and are waiting for a response... The best is if we can get Darulaman, we plan to lease the stadium for a whole season," he said.
"This is good income for the stadium as Super League matches are played at night, while A1 League matches are held in the afternoon, so there should be no scheduling conflicts."
Darulaman Stadium is currently the home ground of the Kedah Football Association (KFA), which competes in the A1 Semi-Pro League.
On IFC's prospects, Saifuddin expressed confidence that the squad, comprising seasoned local players and international imports, could be competitive in its debut season.
He said he told the head coach, Yusri Che Lah, to focus on building the team and not worry about lofty goals.
"Of course, I whispered, 'Top four.' He replied, 'Let's aim for top five,'" he quipped.
Saifuddin added that several corporate sponsors had also come on board with strong support for the team this season.
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