KUALA LUMPUR – Former Kedah FC coach Azraai Khor Abdullah emphasised the importance of avoiding political interference in sports.
Azraai’s comments come in light of the controversy surrounding the Kedah Football Association (KFA), where the association’s chief executive officer, Zulkifli Che Haron, was arrested in connection with a RM6-million graft case. He was later released on bail on January 7.
Speaking to Scoop, Azraai expressed concern that unfounded political allegations could negatively impact the association’s image in the long run.
“I am saddened to witness the current situation at KFA. I am against any interference of politics in sports as it pollutes the purity of the game.
“With the new Malaysia Super League around the corner and issues like this arising, it will be very challenging for the association to secure funds and allocate them for its football club.
“The football association is already grappling with various problems, most notably player wage issues. With investigations like this, many foreign and local players may think twice before joining Kedah in the future.
“Nobody is a criminal until proven guilty, and I hope that the association is not involved in anything serious, as it is a reputable association, and I don’t want its name to be tarnished,” said Azraai.
On Sunday, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor claimed that he was the real “target” of the MACC investigation.
Sanusi, who also serves as the Kedah FA president, asserted that those detained in the corruption case were merely “accessories”, as the real intention was to link him to the corruption cases.
In an effort to raise funds, the association organised a fan engagement tour series around the state in November last year in partnership with the Green Yellow Supporter Club, involving the sale of merchandise.
Despite facing financial challenges, Kedah FC continued to perform well on the field, finishing fourth with 53 points in the recently concluded 2023 Super League season.
The club boast a prestigious history, having clinched the Super League title three times (1993, 2006 and 2007) and winning the FA Cup five times (1990, 1993, 2007, 2008 and 2016). – January 11, 2024