PUTRAJAYA has given the green light for teams in contact sports, such as football and rugby, to conduct training in accordance with established protocols, said Youth and Sports Minister Reezal Merican Naina Merican. 

However they are still prohibited from playing matches, he said in a press conference in Putrajaya today.

This means national associations such as the Football Association of Malaysian, as well as state football clubs or clubs under the Malaysian Football League and other registered football academies can begin their non-contact football training.

“This initial step has been taken in other countries. For instance, the Premier League (in England) has begun non-contact training.

“They (sports teams) just need to follow the new health protocols,” he said.

The standard operating procedures (SOPs) include maintaining a social distance of between 3m and 5m when training. 

While the government has eased restrictions for many sporting and recreational activities, team sports such as football, hockey, rugby, basketball and combat sports remain barred as they involve close contact.

“Team sports that involve physical contact are not allowed in match play.

“However, they are allowed to train, which doesn’t involve any physical contact,” said the minister.

The government earlier today announced it would allow gyms, indoor sports venues and snooker centres to resume operations from June 15 under the recovery movement-control order.

The public is also allowed to carry out sports and recreational activities without bodily contact for indoor and outdoor facilities. 

These include, among others, badminton, athletics and motorsports, as well recreational activities like yoga and aerobics. – June 8, 2020.