KUALA LUMPUR: The FA of Malaysia (FAM) is close to securing two major local companies as sponsors to help boost its revenue.
FAM media and marketing committee chairman Datuk Syed Mahadi Syed Hassan said negotiations were in the final stage before agreements are signed.
"We have identified two major local companies and the process is now at the final stage before the agreements are signed," he said.
The development comes as FAM seeks to strengthen its sponsorship base after falling short of its annual target.
In August last year, FAM revealed it was about RM7 million short of its RM15 million sponsorship target.
Former marketing and sponsorship committee chairman Datuk Hisamudin Yahaya said the funds were vital for the association's operations and national team preparations.
FAM's sponsorship base came under pressure following a controversy involving seven heritage players who were sanctioned alongside the association by FIFA's disciplinary committee in September last year over doctored documentation.
FAM was subsequently fined 350,000 Swiss francs.
In December, FAM confirmed that long-time sponsor Bank Islam had requested an explanation following the sanctions.
Bank Islam had been a partner for 12 years, but its logo was later removed from FAM's official website.
Syed Mahadi said he had yet to receive confirmation of any sponsor officially withdrawing support.
"So far, I have not received clear information regarding the withdrawal of any sponsors, and I will refer this matter to the relevant party," he said.
"As far as I know, no sponsor has officially withdrawn."
He added that FAM was preparing special programmes to regain supporters' trust following the controversy.
Syed Mahadi was appointed to head the combined media and marketing portfolio at an executive committee meeting on Sept 30.
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