PETALING JAYA: With never-ending financial troubles on their plate, there is a possibility for Kuala Lumpur football club to close shop if there is no improvement.
Former Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) president Khalid Samad warned that the 2021 Malaysia Cup champions, despite their success over the recent years, are on the verge of collapse.
And if no one steps in to help, it could mark the end for the club.
Khalid said key members of the squad had left due to the monetary issue, such as former head coach Bojan Hodak, former player Kevin Mendoza, Romel Morales and Akram Mahinan.
“If these issues keep going until the end of the year, maybe there won’t be a team left to save, and Kuala Lumpur could close shop,” Khalid said during a press conference yesterday.
Khalid was responding to Kuala Lumpur captain Paulo Josue’s cry for help over unpaid wages.
“I respect Paulo for voicing out. He is not getting paid but is still playing his heart out,” said Khalid.
“I appreciate all the players who are still in the team and place their confidence in the management to solve these issues.
“They are being patient and hoping that somebody above them will hear their cries for help,” he said.
Khalid, who resigned as KLFA president in March, added that they had received RM3mil from the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL) for last year’s salary arrears, but no money has been received this year.
He added that Kuala Lumpur deserve better, as the club had been collecting accolades in recent years.
Kuala Lumpur made three finals between 2021 and 2023, winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021, and will be competing in the AFF Club Championships this year.
“Based on their merit, this is a team that should be getting more. Everyone wants to say they support the team but there is no money coming in,” said Khalid.
“We have six national players on the team, second only to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), even though we have a much smaller budget compared to them,” he added.
