KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 – The Malaysian Football League (MFL) is bracing for a surge in operating expenses for the upcoming 2024-2025 M-League season, with anticipated costs reaching close to RM50 million annually. This projection comes as the league prepares to introduce the video assistant referee (VAR) system, with an estimated implementation cost of RM9.7 million for the inaugural season. MFL Chief Executive Officer Datuk Stuart Ramalingam highlighted the need for additional funding to sustain the smooth operation of the leagues amidst rising expenses.
The substantial investment in VAR, including initial infrastructure setup costs, is a significant contributing factor to the anticipated increase in operating costs. Stuart emphasized that while the VAR system’s implementation will enhance match officiating, it necessitates substantial financial resources, with costs expected to amount to RM3.2 million annually in subsequent seasons. This move underscores MFL’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to elevate the quality and integrity of M-League competitions.
