Kuala lumpur: Non-Muslim players will take part in an inter-mosque football tournament scheduled for Aug 29 and 30, as part of efforts to transform mosques into platforms for fostering unity among communities, according to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, participating teams in the 2026 MAIWP National Inter-Mosque Nine-a-Side Football Invitational are required to include two non-Muslim players, with at least one needing to feature during matches. Dr Zulkifli Hasan emphasized that the initiative aims to demonstrate that mosques serve not only as places for Muslim unity but also as platforms that honor diversity and respect individuals from different backgrounds. This announcement was made at the tournament launch press conference held at Masjid At-Taqwa.
In attendance were Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) chairman Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer and MAIWP chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nizam Yahya. The inaugural Aksi Bola Merdeka tournament will take place at the Sultan Ahmad Shah Training Institute (ILSAS) field in Bangi, Selangor, with participation from 32 teams.
Dr Zulkifli outlined that each team should consist of a 15-player squad, including six staff members from state Islamic religious departments or state Islamic religious councils, seven players under the age of 18, and two non-Muslim players. He highlighted that the tournament is part of the Semarak Masjid Bersama Belia programme, which seeks to position mosques as dynamic centers for sports, recreation, and community unity, while still maintaining their spiritual and worship roles.
He further explained that the youth-focused initiative includes spiritual activities such as congregational prayers and mosque-related programmes, aiming to guide young people toward constructive pursuits and expose them to positive environments through mosque activities.
The tournament follows a successful Federal Territories futsal league pilot project that garnered significant interest among young mosque representatives. Confirmed participants include the Federal Territories and six states: Selangor, Perak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, and Terengganu.
The champions will be awarded RM3,000 in prize money, along with trophies and medals, and will have the opportunity to play a friendly match against MAIWP FC and the Religious Affairs Minister. The runners-up will receive RM2,000 and medals, while the two third-placed teams will each take home RM1,000 along with medals.
Organised by MAIWP FC, the tournament is conducted in collaboration with the MAIWP Management Services Division and the MAIWP Staff Welfare Association, with Pusat Pungutan Zakat-MAIWP (PPZ-MAIWP) and Viko as strategic partners.