Malaysian FA assures clubs over MP & Silva deal

The Football Association of Malaysia has assured clubs in the country that their input will be considered before a final split of rights income is decided as part of a new media and commercial rights deal with the MP & Silva agency, according to the Malaysian Star newspaper.

The national governing body last week agreed a 15-year deal, from 2016 to 2030, for MP & Silva to serve as its global adviser for all media and commercial rights relating to a number of domestic club tournaments, including the

Malaysia Super League, Malaysia Premier League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and the Piala Sumbangsih Match.

However, clubs from the M-League top-tier club competition have expressed concern over how the rights income will be distributed.

The Malaysian FA will reportedly receive 40 per cent of the league’s commercial and broadcast revenue, while clubs will receive 30 per cent. The remaining income will be used to run the league.

Malaysian FA treasurer Datuk Norza Zakaria said: “Nothing has been cast in stone, the percentage announced are just an initial figure. Under the new deal, the teams’ consensus will be taken into ac­count before we finalise the distribution. We are also working on getting more funds for the 2015 season. The financial arrangement will be made soon.”