KUALA LUMPUR – Former Kuala Lumpur Football Association president Khalid Samad disagrees with the notion that politicians should stay away from football, stating that not all politicians, including himself, are involved in the sport for political mileage.
The 66-year-old, who is also a former Federal Territories minister and current Amanah communications director, made his statement following his recent comments on the ongoing “politicking” within KL City FC, which has led to the club’s financial woes.
As the only football club from Kuala Lumpur that compete in the Super League, the City Boys have faced several financial crises over the past two years.
The club suffered a severe financial blow after Rinani Group Bhd, one of its biggest stakeholders, reduced its sponsorship from 51% to 10% in 2022.
In November last year, the club’s chief executive Stanley Bernard and Khalid took separate loans worth RM300,000 to pay their players, whose salaries were overdue by several months.
KL City’s financial woes reached a boiling point after their captain, Paulo Josue, alleged that he had not received his salary for seven months and was surviving on his savings.
Khalid said politicians could contribute to football effectively if they knew how to draw the line between being professional in developing the sport and playing politics.
“I don’t find any issues with politicians getting involved in football as long as they do their jobs right. I myself am a politician, and I clearly know how to draw the line between football and politics.
“I have been committed to developing the sport during my time at KLFA. Not only me but there are many people out there who have the same vision and objective as me; hence, we can’t generalise all politicians in that manner.
“However, we can’t deny the fact that there are a few who use football for their own political benefit, and that’s something that I condemn.
“But ironically, those who are playing politics in the case of KL City FC are not politicians but certain people who are conspiring and have the hunger of going after positions for their own self-interest.
“I find it sad to see these kinds of issues happening at the club right now,” said Khalid at a press conference.
At the same time, Khalid also said he would not rule out the possibility of returning and serving the club by contesting in the upcoming club election.
“My love for KL City has always been there since my childhood days. Though I was born in Kelantan, I was brought up and studied in Kuala Lumpur, and my loyalty will always be there for the football club.
“I grew up adoring Fandi Ahmad playing for the club, and that’s where my interest started.
“Though I don’t have any power right now, I will still continue my efforts to help the club in any manner.
“I’m not sure whether I will be standing for the election, but I will not rule out the chance of making a comeback,” Khalid added.
KL City FC currently rank fourth in the Super League with seven points from four matches. – July 17, 2024