Latest news with #ChristopherRaj
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Glorious day for SK Lemoi after receiving MU football gears, thanks to Shekhinah
Happy faces: SK Lemoi students posing after receiving the goods. PETALING JAYA: It was a glorious day for students at the Lemoi Primary School in in Cameron Highlands, Pahang after receiving unexpected 'windfall'. Public relations agency ShekhinahPR and Southeast Asia's leading football marketing consultancy, ProEvents donated exclusive Manchester United football gear from the recent Asean All-Stars match to the students. The contribution included official match-used equipment from the high-profile game held at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last month, now gifted to a rural school where football passion runs deep. They also received 15 brand new pairs of football boots to the school's players. The heartwarming initiative is aimed at fuelling dreams and building grassroots talent within the indigenous Orang Asli community. SK Lemoi, home to a spirited football team known as The Botaks, represents a remote community of Orang Asli students whose love for the game defies the odds of geography and limited resources. The symbolic handover took place during an intimate yet meaningful dinner event in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating unity, hope, and the universal language of football. Speaking on the initiative, Christopher Raj, chief executive officer of ShekhinahPR, expressed the agency's unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport. "We believe that sport has the power to change lives. Through this contribution, we hope to spark passion, build confidence, and encourage these young children to pursue their football dreams with pride and purpose. "Seeing their faces light up while receiving boots and gear used by Manchester United in their match against Asean All-Stars truly moved us. "This isn't just a donation – it's a statement that they belong, that they matter, and that they are part of the global football family." Christopher also reaffirmed their long-standing commitment to SK Lemoi, noting the agency's continued support over the years through sports kits and jerseys, the latest of which was contributed earlier in March.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
M-League faces huge challenges to stay relevant
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian League (M-League), once celebrated as the cornerstone of Southeast Asian football, is now struggling to maintain its relevance as it faces significant challenges, including financial difficulties, waning fan interest, a lack of competitive balance, and the potential withdrawal of clubs. What is unfolding now serves as a warning – a system once built on hope is collapsing under the weight of unresolved structural cracks. Club withdrawals are now clear indicators of a troubling reality in the M-League, which has also been plagued by months of unpaid salaries for players and officials. Perak have recently decided to dissolve their team and withdraw from the upcoming season of the Super League season due to financial difficulties, having reportedly spent nearly RM40mil over the past three years. At least three other teams with significant fan base – Kedah, Pahang and Kelantan – are also contemplating similar exits due to escalating financial issues or constraints. Each club require between RM8mil and RM15mil annually to operate their senior team. However, is it fair to place the entire burden of Malaysia's football crisis on the clubs when the root cause may run much deeper? DIFFICULTY IN GENERATING RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) Former FAM executive committee member Christopher Raj highlighted Perak as a team with a rich history that face challenges due to the high cost of competing in the Super League, which offers little return of investment (ROI). 'When companies investing in football see no ROI, they are accountable to shareholders and stakeholders and must justify their continued investment in the national or state football scene. 'In this case, it affects more than just stakeholders – players, coaches, and other staff are also impacted. But the players suffer the most. 'Secondly, I believe that, above all, we need quality teams. If we focus on quantity, many issues and challenges will arise. What's the point of having 20 or even 16-18 teams if nine are facing financial crises?' asked Christopher when speaking to Bernama. ONE-SIDED DOMINANCE The M-League is now seen as no longer a competitive battleground but one dominated by a single team that have won nearly all major trophies over the past decade. This predictability has led to declining fan interest. This differs from leagues in developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Europe, which strive to maintain competitive parity. Christopher added that the decline in stadium attendance shouldn't be viewed solely as a result of team dominance but rather through multiple perspectives – particularly economic factors impacting fans. 'The low turnout might be attributed to boredom with local football, predictable outcomes, or declining interest. However, economic constraints cannot be overlooked. 'For example, someone earning RM4,000 monthly bringing three family members to a match might spend around RM200 per game. Multiply that by four games a month, and it's RM800 – a significant burden to watch football. 'As a result, fans are making selective choices. They only attend certain marquee matches – like Selangor vs JDT (Johor Darul Ta'zim) or Terengganu vs JDT. They no longer attend every match,' he added. M-LEAGUE REFORM Football analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the M-League crisis should not be attributed solely to the competing teams. He added that the issue also arises from the need for internal reforms, including strengthening league management and competition regulations, to restore stakeholder confidence. 'We hope the Malaysian Football League (MFL) conduct a thorough review and identifies their weaknesses across multiple aspects. Review competition rules, especially the excessive number of foreign player quotas. 'Re-evaluate complaints from clubs and supporters, particularly allegations of unfair match scheduling that seem to favour certain teams and burden others,' he said. Pekan added that there is also a need to immediately address officiating quality to prevent negative perceptions about referees' credibility. He also urged the MFL to strengthen club licensing for league participation. The status of teams' participation in next season's Super League will only be confirmed after May 10 – the extended deadline for completing the national licence application documentation but without structural reform and a holistic approach covering governance, financial stability, and competitive balance, Malaysian football risks losing more clubs and the trust of a new generation of fans. From financial woes and opaque governance to unclear development direction, the M-League is now akin to a building without a solid foundation. — Bernama
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Once celebrated M-League collapsing under weight of unresolved structural cracks
KUALA LUMPUR (May 2): The Malaysian League (M-League), once celebrated as the cornerstone of Southeast Asian football, is now struggling to maintain its relevance as it now faces significant challenges, including financial difficulties, waning fan interest, a lack of competitive balance, and the potential withdrawal of clubs. What is unfolding now serves as a warning — a system once built on hope is collapsing under the weight of unresolved structural cracks. Club withdrawals are now clear indicators of a troubling reality in the M-League, which has also been plagued by months of unpaid salaries for players and officials. Perak FC has recently decided to dissolve its team and withdraw from the upcoming season of the Super League season due to financial difficulties, having reportedly spent nearly RM40 million over the past three years. At least three other teams with significant fan base — Kedah Darul Aman FC, Sri Pahang FC, and Kelantan Darul Naim FC — are also contemplating similar exits due to escalating financial issues or other constraints. Each club requires between RM8 million and RM15 million annually to operate their senior team. However, is it fair to place the entire burden of Malaysia's football crisis on the clubs when the root cause may run much deeper? Difficulty in generating return on investment (ROI) Former FAM Executive Committee member Christopher Raj highlighted Perak as a team with a rich history that faces challenges due to the high cost of competing in the Super League, which offers little return of investment (ROI). 'When companies investing in football see no ROI, they are accountable to shareholders and stakeholders and must justify their continued investment in the national or state football scene. 'In this case, it affects more than just stakeholders — players, coaches, and other staff are also impacted. But the players suffer the most. 'Secondly, I believe that, above all, we need quality teams. If we focus on quantity, many issues and challenges will arise. What's the point of having 20 or even 16–18 teams if nine are facing financial crises?' asked Christopher when speaking to Bernama. One-sided dominance The M-League is now seen as no longer a competitive battleground but one dominated by a single team that has won nearly all major trophies over the past decade. This predictability has led to declining fan interest. This differs from leagues in developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Europe, which strive to maintain competitive parity. Christopher added that the decline in stadium attendance shouldn't be viewed solely as a result of team dominance but rather through multiple perspectives — particularly economic factors impacting fans. 'The low turnout might be attributed to boredom with local football, predictable outcomes, or declining interest. However, economic constraints cannot be overlooked. 'For example, someone earning RM4,000 monthly bringing three family members to a match might spend around RM200 per game. Multiply that by four games a month, and it's RM800 — a significant burden to watch football. 'As a result, fans are making selective choices. They only attend certain marquee matches — like Selangor vs JDT (Johor Darul Ta'zim) or Terengganu vs JDT. They no longer attend every match,' he added. M-League reform Football analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli said the M-League crisis should not be attributed solely to the competing teams. He added that the issue also arises from the need for internal reforms, including strengthening league management and competition regulations, to restore stakeholder confidence. 'We hope the Malaysian Football League (MFL) conducts a thorough review and identifies its weaknesses across multiple aspects. Review competition rules, especially the excessive number of foreign player quotas. 'Re-evaluate complaints from clubs and supporters, particularly allegations of unfair match scheduling that seem to favour certain teams and burden others,' he said. Pekan added that there is also a need to immediately address officiating quality to prevent negative perceptions about referees' credibility. He also urged the MFL to strengthen club licensing for league participation. The status of teams participation in next season's Super League will only be confirmed after May 10 — the extended deadline for completing the National License application documentation but without structural reform and a holistic approach covering governance, financial stability, and competitive balance, Malaysian football risks losing more clubs and the trust of a new generation of fans. From financial woes and opaque governance to unclear development direction, the M-League is now akin to a building without a solid foundation. — Bernama
The Sun
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
M-League dilemma: Team withdrawals, waning fan support, single team dominance
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian League (M-League), once celebrated as the cornerstone of Southeast Asian football, is now struggling to maintain its relevance as it now faces significant challenges, including financial difficulties, waning fan interest, a lack of competitive balance, and the potential withdrawal of clubs. What is unfolding now serves as a warning — a system once built on hope is collapsing under the weight of unresolved structural cracks. Club withdrawals are now clear indicators of a troubling reality in the M-League, which has also been plagued by months of unpaid salaries for players and officials. Perak FC has recently decided to dissolve its team and withdraw from the upcoming season of the Super League season due to financial difficulties, having reportedly spent nearly RM40 million over the past three years. At least three other teams with significant fan base — Kedah Darul Aman FC, Sri Pahang FC, and Kelantan Darul Naim FC — are also contemplating similar exits due to escalating financial issues or reather constraint. Each club requires between RM8 million and RM15 million annually to operate their senior team. However, is it fair to place the entire burden of Malaysia's football crisis on the clubs when the root cause may run much deeper? DIFFICULTY IN GENERATING RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) Former FAM Executive Committee member Christopher Raj highlighted Perak as a team with a rich history that faces challenges due to the high cost of competing in the Super League, which offers little return of investment (ROI). 'When companies investing in football see no ROI, they are accountable to shareholders and stakeholders and must justify their continued investment in the national or state football scene. 'In this case, it affects more than just stakeholders — players, coaches, and other staff are also impacted. But the players suffer the most. 'Secondly, I believe that, above all, we need quality teams. If we focus on quantity, many issues and challenges will arise. What's the point of having 20 or even 16–18 teams if nine are facing financial crises?' asked Christopher when speaking to Bernama. ONE-SIDED DOMINANCE The M-League is now seen as no longer a competitive battleground but one dominated by a single team that has won nearly all major trophies over the past decade. This predictability has led to declining fan interest. This differs from leagues in developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Europe, which strive to maintain competitive parity. Christopher added that the decline in stadium attendance shouldn't be viewed solely as a result of team dominance but rather through multiple perspectives — particularly economic factors impacting fans. 'The low turnout might be attributed to boredom with local football, predictable outcomes, or declining interest. However, economic constraints cannot be overlooked. 'For example, someone earning RM4,000 monthly bringing three family members to a match might spend around RM200 per game. Multiply that by four games a month, and it's RM800 — a significant burden to watch football. 'As a result, fans are making selective choices. They only attend certain marquee matches — like Selangor vs JDT (Johor Darul Ta'zim) or Terengganu vs JDT. They no longer attend every match,' he added. M-LEAGUE REFORM Football analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the M-League crisis should not be attributed solely to the competing teams. He added that the issue also arises from the need for internal reforms, including strengthening league management and competition regulations, to restore stakeholder confidence. 'We hope the Malaysian Football League (MFL) conducts a thorough review and identifies its weaknesses across multiple aspects. Review competition rules, especially the excessive number of foreign player quotas. 'Re-evaluate complaints from clubs and supporters, particularly allegations of unfair match scheduling that seem to favour certain teams and burden others,' he said. Pekan added that there is also a need to immediately address officiating quality to prevent negative perceptions about referees' credibility. He also urged the MFL to strengthen club licensing for league participation. The status of teams participation in next season's Super League will only be confirmed after May 10 — the extended deadline for completing the National License application documentation but without structural reform and a holistic approach covering governance, financial stability, and competitive balance, Malaysian football risks losing more clubs and the trust of a new generation of fans. From financial woes and opaque governance to unclear development direction, the M-League is now akin to a building without a solid foundation.
Malay Mail
02-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Once a SE Asian giant, M-League faces club walkouts, empty seats and no clear fix
KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — The Malaysian League (M-League), once celebrated as the cornerstone of Southeast Asian football, is now struggling to maintain its relevance as it now faces significant challenges, including financial difficulties, waning fan interest, a lack of competitive balance, and the potential withdrawal of clubs. What is unfolding now serves as a warning — a system once built on hope is collapsing under the weight of unresolved structural cracks. Club withdrawals are now clear indicators of a troubling reality in the M-League, which has also been plagued by months of unpaid salaries for players and officials. Perak FC has recently decided to dissolve its team and withdraw from the upcoming season of the Super League season due to financial difficulties, having reportedly spent nearly RM40 million over the past three years. At least three other teams with significant fan base — Kedah Darul Aman FC, Sri Pahang FC, and Kelantan Darul Naim FC — are also contemplating similar exits due to escalating financial issues or reather constraint. Each club requires between RM8 million and RM15 million annually to operate their senior team. However, is it fair to place the entire burden of Malaysia's football crisis on the clubs when the root cause may run much deeper? Difficulty in generating return on investment (ROI) Former FAM Executive Committee member Christopher Raj highlighted Perak as a team with a rich history that faces challenges due to the high cost of competing in the Super League, which offers little return of investment (ROI). 'When companies investing in football see no ROI, they are accountable to shareholders and stakeholders and must justify their continued investment in the national or state football scene. 'In this case, it affects more than just stakeholders — players, coaches, and other staff are also impacted. But the players suffer the most. 'Secondly, I believe that, above all, we need quality teams. If we focus on quantity, many issues and challenges will arise. What's the point of having 20 or even 16–18 teams if nine are facing financial crises?' asked Christopher when speaking to Bernama. One-sided dominance The M-League is now seen as no longer a competitive battleground but one dominated by a single team that has won nearly all major trophies over the past decade. This predictability has led to declining fan interest. This differs from leagues in developed countries like Japan, South Korea, and Europe, which strive to maintain competitive parity. Christopher added that the decline in stadium attendance shouldn't be viewed solely as a result of team dominance but rather through multiple perspectives — particularly economic factors impacting fans. 'The low turnout might be attributed to boredom with local football, predictable outcomes, or declining interest. However, economic constraints cannot be overlooked. 'For example, someone earning RM4,000 monthly bringing three family members to a match might spend around RM200 per game. Multiply that by four games a month, and it's RM800 — a significant burden to watch football. 'As a result, fans are making selective choices. They only attend certain marquee matches — like Selangor vs JDT (Johor Darul Ta'zim) or Terengganu vs JDT. They no longer attend every match,' he added. M-League reform Football analyst Datuk Pekan Ramli said the M-League crisis should not be attributed solely to the competing teams. He added that the issue also arises from the need for internal reforms, including strengthening league management and competition regulations, to restore stakeholder confidence. 'We hope the Malaysian Football League (MFL) conducts a thorough review and identifies its weaknesses across multiple aspects. Review competition rules, especially the excessive number of foreign player quotas. 'Re-evaluate complaints from clubs and supporters, particularly allegations of unfair match scheduling that seem to favour certain teams and burden others,' he said. Pekan added that there is also a need to immediately address officiating quality to prevent negative perceptions about referees' credibility. He also urged the MFL to strengthen club licensing for league participation. The status of teams participation in next season's Super League will only be confirmed after May 10 — the extended deadline for completing the National License application documentation but without structural reform and a holistic approach covering governance, financial stability, and competitive balance, Malaysian football risks losing more clubs and the trust of a new generation of fans. From financial woes and opaque governance to unclear development direction, the M-League is now akin to a building without a solid foundation. — Bernama
