Football

FAM vow to play it safe

FAM will not put the lives of thousands of people, fans and players, on the line.

Apart from a standard operating procedure (SOP) for safety, the national body will also put in place a crisis system if the M-League is allowed to resume in September by the government.

"There is also a crisis system as an added precaution but we hope it's never needed. The leagues in other countries have it too," said FAM secretary general Stuart Ramalingam yesterday.

He said FAM have been diligently studying the safety measures adapted by other countries who have resumed their leagues.

"We are learning from countries such as South Korea and Germany. We have been in touch with them. And Vietnam as well. Vietnam started off with fans, which is a surprise.

"For us, we want to be very careful and we are focused on reducing risks.

"As the world of football starts opening up, we see a lot of positive sentiments (in FAM's appeal to the National Security Council). But at the same time, we can't make judgments based on sentiments alone.

"Look at France, Scotland, the Netherlands and Belgium who had called off their leagues. For the leagues that have resumed, their SOPs have been shared with us.

"Germany's Bundesliga (SOP) is so high level and expensive that it's virtually impossible for us to do the same. But Korea has a system that is closer to us, practical, adaptable and realistic."

Stuart said FAM have been tweaking their SOP and safety measures in accordance with current times and examples from other nations. FAM will resubmit their appeal to the NSC, Health Ministry and Sports Ministry.

"We can only submit it next month, and it is a plan to train in August and play in September," said Stuart.

Last Saturday, Vietnam became the first Southeast Asian nation to resume competitive football with spectators for the first round of its national tournament.

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