THE FA of Malaysia (FAM) aim to restart the M-League in mid-August provided that close-contact training is resumed from the second or third week of July.
FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin told Timesport that the national body have prepared a proposal for submission to the Sports Ministry in a bid to restart normal training.
Most teams had resumed training (non-contact), last week in small groups, while respecting social distancing measures, according to step one of the return to training protocols.
The Sports Ministry had confirmed that national athletes will make a phased return to full-time training under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) from Sunday.
The FAM now hope to start phase two of football training, aimed at helping footballers regain fitness levels required in matches. Close-contract training will include coaching and tackling.
"Yes, we hope to restart the M-League by mid-August. We have a timeline and several proposals in place targeting the resumption of the league," said Hamidin yesterday.
"Teams have been adhering to non-contact guidelines in training, and we are happy with this progress.
"However, the remainder of the teams are only expected to restart training (non-contact) this week, so we will give another week before deciding the next step.
"We have a proposal for close-contact training ready for submission. And if everything goes as planned, we will submit it, after this week, to the Sports Ministry for the required approvals from the government.
"The target is to get the green light for teams to restart close-contact training by the second or third week of July.
"Teams may need a month of close-contact training, including friendly matches, before they can play competitive games."
Hamidin, also the president of the Malaysian Football League (MFL), said depending on the situation in the country's fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the national body hope to resume the league in mid-August, instead of Sept 1.
"The proposal to restart the season will only be submitted once close-contact training is in progress.
"Of course, we will monitor how teams are doing first before we submit the restart proposal," he said.
He disclosed that the proposal for the league restart will include strict guidelines for matches behind closed doors.
"We know that some coaches want the concerned parties to allow small groups of fans into stadiums. But that is not the priority at this stage as teams have not even restarted close-contact training.
"As for allowing fans into venues, it will be the next stage after the league has resumed.
"Of course, football is nothing without fans, but we have to be realistic about it.
"Starting the league in August will be good, not only for the M-League teams but also for Harimau Malaya.
"Clubs will have more rest days between matches. When fixtures are not congested, players will not suffer from fatigue, and this will be good for the national team," he added.