KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC has no issues with the involvement of political figures in the club’s decision-making process, as long as they share the same vision and direction.
Scoop previously reported that former KL City FC head coach Bojan Hodak expressed his concern about the club’s current financial situation citing that the club will not reach its full potential until political figures are involved.
Speaking to Scoop, KL City FC chief executive officer Stanley Bernard said that it’s never easy to change a culture that has been ongoing for more than three decades in a club.
“We have to look at the root on a larger scale. Malaysian football has always been led by a political figure for a long time, as chief ministers have always been pumping in budgets for state football associations.
“In the context of the Kuala Lumpur Football Association, this is a norm that has been happening for the past 30 years, but for KL City FC, which is privatised, we have our own professional way of running the club with the help of few political figures.
“To change 30 odd years of culture in three years is tough, and it will take more time. To separate politics and football is something different, as politicians also have a role to play, but we always ensure that our directions and visions are clear.
“In KL City FC, it’s evident that our directions are clear as in 2021 when we won the Malaysia Cup, our club patron was Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim was the Federal Territory Minister at the time, with Khalid Abdul Samad being the president of the club.
“We all shared the same vision for the club, and that’s why we emerged successful,” said Stanley.
Khalid, who was the club’s long-serving president since 2019, officially resigned from his role with immediate effect yesterday.
Scoop previously reported concerns regarding KL City FC’s financial stability, leaving players with unpaid dues.
The club has also been instructed by the Malaysian Football League (MFL) 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 license 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 was in discussions with Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh to ensure the club’s smooth operation for the coming Malaysia Super League season.
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. – March 16,2024