The Malaysian Football League (MFL) believe they have enough measures to battle Covid-19 to ensure this season's M-League goes on without any hiccups.
In Malaysia, Covid-19 cases are increasing daily, and it has affected the football industry and its teams ahead of the new season, which starts with the Charity Shield on Feb 23. The season proper begins on March 4.
Several pre-season matches have been cancelled due to Covid-19-related issues. Yesterday, Sri Pahang withdrew from playing against KL City in a friendly as the team have recorded several cases.
The MFL, however, are confident of keeping teams, players and officials safe when the season begins.
MFL chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam said: "MFL are in open dialogue with respective teams on their status and have no immediate concerns over the pile-up of postponed matches.
"You will find clusters in hospitals and government offices even if you strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) because of how the new Omicron variant spreads.
"We are taking things very carefully. I was on text with the teams with cancellations, and they are taking necessary actions internally to make sure it does not happen again.
"This year's calendar is designed in such a way that we have gap dates. We have a flexible calendar to cope if there are unwanted issues at any club.
"When the season starts, we will have the SOP to govern the league. One of the requirements is for teams to conduct PCR tests on their players and officials three days before a match.
MFL are also pushing for updated measures with the authorities in the hope the season does not get interrupted by Covid-19 related issues.
Requests have been made for food and drinks to be allowed for fans inside stadiums as well as a green light for the M-League to follow international football guidelines when it comes to positive cases.
In major leagues worldwide, matches still go on as long teams have 13 available players.
However, the authorities are not ready to allow such measures. While MFL accept the decision, they are hopeful that with the relaxing of regulations expected to come up in March, these requests can be reconsidered.