AirAsia FC today announced the signing of 22 new players in preparation for the FAM Cup 2017 with several notable names from Johor Darul Ta’zim II FC (JDT2), KL and Malacca United.
The new line-up includes seasoned hands Tuah Iskandar (JDT2), Fahrul Razi (KL), and six players from Malacca United among others. The players reported for training on December 1 under head coach Mat Zan Mat Aris at the MMU Stadium.
During the press conference, the Club also revealed its plans for next year with the focus on engaging communities. As part of this initiative, AirAsia FC will be rebranded as the Petaling Jaya Rangers FC come 2017. The Club aims to actively engage with and serve football fans in the area.
In an effort to support football development in Malaysia and in the region, AirAsia FC unveiled an exclusive partnership with Queens Park Rangers (QPR) to start a football academy. The academy aims to nurture and train the next generation of renowned footballers to play in the top flight of Malaysian football. Working together with the team, QPR will lend their expertise in training the players, local coaches and staff.
“We started off with a dream inspired by the passion, spirit and determination of our Allstars. Five years down the road, AirAsia has been instrumental in various sports development initiatives and we will not stop anytime soon. It has only just begun and it is about time we contribute to the community in ways that we can. We are excited to continue empowering aspiring talents across communities to realise their dreams in competing at the highest levels in sports,” AirAsia FC chairman Tony Fernandes said.
Formed in 2011, AirAsia FC debuted in the Selangor Super League and finished Top 4 three years later to qualify in the FAM Cup. The Club competed in the 2015 FAM Cup for the first time and finished 7th in the league. In 2016, AirAsia FC reached the semi-finals of the FAM Cup, one step from promotion to the Malaysian Premier League.
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