KUALA LUMPUR — The Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) announcement of its partnership with Puma as the new official kit supplier for Harimau Malaya confirms an exclusive story published by Scoop on November 28.
The deal marks the end of a 17-year collaboration with Nike, ushering in a new era for the national football team.
Scoop had reported that FAM was set to replace Nike with Puma, a move backed by sources within the football fraternity.
The agreement with the German sportswear giant begins today, with FAM and Puma combining forces to elevate Malaysian football on and off the pitch.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Malaysian football, blending FAM’s dedication to the sport with Puma’s legacy of innovation and excellence both on and off the pitch.
“Details of the partnership will be revealed at an official launch event, with further announcements to follow,” FAM stated briefly today.
The decision to partner with Puma was not without controversy.
According to sources, the deal faced backlash after news of it leaked on social media, with some fans voicing concerns over Puma’s association with the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
The BDS movement, a Palestinian-led initiative advocating for boycotts, divestments, and sanctions against Israel, has targeted Puma since 2018, alleging the company supports Israeli apartheid policies.
These allegations have led to calls for a boycott of Puma products, creating a polarised response among Harimau Malaya fans.
FAM’s history of kit sponsorships has been illustrious, with Umbro and Adidas serving as notable partners before Nike took over in 2007. — January 1, 2025