Live Telecast Of World Cup By RTM A Boost For Local Football

MELAKA (Melaka, Malaysia) May 31 (Bernama) – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has described the effort by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to telecast 27 matches live and 14 games on delayed broadcast of the 2018 World Cup in Russia could generate greater interest in the sport. FAM acting president Mohd Yusoff Mahadi said the proposal by Communications and Multimedia Minister, Gobind Singh Deo was a positive move for the sport as more football fans would be able to watch the biggest football event in the world. “Apart from the air of festivities, it is hope our local footballers would also find inspiration from the top players in action,” he said when contacted by Bernama here Thursday. Mohd Yusoff said with RTM’s World Cup broadcast, Malaysians would be able to enjoy free viewing of matches from June 8 to July 8. Asked on the national squad’s potential to appear at the World Cup one day, Mohd Yusoff said it is not impossible but long term planning is needed. “Our team has to first get pass the Asian level before we think of the World Cup and I am confident we could make it one day,” he said. Today the national squad is only at Asean level and all parties should work harder to achieve the dream, he added. -- BERNAMA