KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC are grateful to their stakeholders for coming on board to save the club, who have been grappling with financial issues over the past few months.
Scoop previously reported concerns regarding KL City FC’s financial stability, leaving players with unpaid dues.
The club have also been instructed by the Malaysian Football League to make the first salary payment amounting to 50% by March 15 and a full settlement on or before March 29.
Failure to make the payment according to the stipulated timelines will result in the club receiving a transfer ban with a fine or facing revocation of their national licence by the first-instance body.
In a recent Facebook post, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil – who is also the club’s patron – stressed that the club were in discussion with their chief executive Stanley Bernard and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh to ensure the club’s smooth operation for the coming Malaysia Super League season.
Speaking to Scoop, Stanley said he appreciated the support given by his stakeholders and hoped to overcome the obstacles faced by the club soon.
“I’m glad to witness that all the stakeholders have come together to ensure the club is on the right track and I appreciate Fahmi’s willingness to render his help for such a historical club like KL City FC.
“All our stakeholders want our club to do well, especially after the successful run that we had over the past three years.
“Despite all the turbulence, it’s important to see that the institution is doing well and overcoming its obstacles, and we are also coming up with steps to make sure that the club goes well with our stakeholders.
“Football is the number one sport in the country and the capital city – the club will not be distracted and we will continue to be consistent on the pitch by creating good results and keep winning cups,” said Stanley when contacted.
Stanley also said the financial issues were not unique to KL City FC, citing that other clubs faced similar woes due to the Super League’s rapid growth.
“Financially, it’s not just KL City as various clubs have also been going through the same process in the last six to seven months.
“We are all going through this phase together, but let’s see what happens in the next five to 10 years in our local football.
“There is huge hope, especially with the clubs contributing to the national team and how they have been performing well. But for now, we need to rally together and ensure that we keep giving the best for Malaysia through our clubs,” Stanley added.
Despite their financial issues, KL City FC maintained their mid-table grip in the Super League last season as they finished seventh with 38 points.
In 2021, the club under the guidance of Bojan Hodak made waves by lifting the Malaysia Cup, outperforming their limited budget to defeat powerhouses Johor Darul Ta’zim in the final.
The Croatian’s cup-winning team featured experienced players such as Safee Sali, Shukor Adan and Indra Putra Mahayuddin. – March 15, 2024