KL City skipper urges incoming KLFA president to tackle club’s financial turmoil

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC skipper Paulo Josue hopes the incoming Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) president will resolve the club’s ongoing financial struggles.

The national footballer’s response comes in relation to the upcoming KLFA presidential elections, scheduled for October 12 at Vivatel Hotel.

The 35th KLFA elections will see a two-way fight for the top post between former Kapar member of parliament Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and businessman Syed Yazid Syed Omar.

The elections, initially scheduled for September 7, were postponed due to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)’s investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds and other issues involving the association.

Speaking to Scoop, Josue said that while the players are doing their best to elevate the club’s standings in the Malaysia Super League, he believes the club’s new management, under the incoming president, should take the financial crisis seriously.

It was reported that KL City, which falls under the purview of KLFA, saw its financial woes come to a head after Josue alleged that he had not received his salary for seven months and was currently surviving on his savings.

According to transfermarkt.com, the 35-year-old Brazil-born attacking midfielder has a current market value of RM1.39 million and earns between RM105,000 and RM110,000 per month. Josue, who joined the City Boys in 2017, has made 137 appearances and scored 53 goals for the club.

“I hope that those who take charge will understand that there are many players and families involved in this financial debacle. When salaries are not paid on time, we struggle, and I hope this will be their top priority.

“Despite these problems, we are united as a team with a strong character. We have managed these tough times and continue to give our 100%. I know the current management didn’t expect this situation to arise, and we understand that.

“However, we hope the club can improve and keep the financial issues on track. As players, we have been delivering on the pitch, but the club also needs to improve. I hope the new president will focus on and rectify these issues,” Josue said when contacted.

KL City FC, known as the City Boys, took a financial hit after Rinani Group Bhd, one of its major stakeholders, reduced its sponsorship from 51% to 10% in 2022.

Last November, the club’s CEO, Stanley Bernard, and former KLFA president Khalid Abdul Samad took out separate loans totaling RM300,000 to cover players’ salaries, which had been overdue for months. – September 27, 2024