The Football Association of Selangor (FAS) have urged for the Selangor state government to lend a helping hand during a press confence at the Yayasan FAS Business Avenue in Kelana Jaya today.
FAS president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal – whose side have claimed raising a RM15 million budget of sponsors on their own – admitted that the association is currently hard-pressed for funds.
Subahan, who is also deputy president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), added that it was a RM10 million budget reduction from their previous RM25 million budget.
Ever since the resignation of their former president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali – who is also the Selangor Chief Minister – FAS have been without the support of the state government.
It is learnt that Azmin was at loggerheads with the previous executive committee and had ceased funding the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions last year.
“Coming in without a single cent is ridiculous. We have requested for them to help and to ensure that Selangor remain a contender in the Super League.
“Selangor is currently funded by my deputy, a few exco members and I. We might not win any titles this year but that is not our ultimate goal. We’re here to say that we’re still in the running and we will give the higher budget clubs the run for the money.
“I have learned that the state government has a reserve of RM4 billion and all we ask for is RM5 million which is one third of what we have raised.
“We want the government to help the players – who represent in the name of Selangor and the supporters – and to ease our burden. If you can support a club – which is not an affiliate to FAS – I’m sure you can help us too. There must be a sense of belonging.
“I’m only here to help the team temporarily until a suitable candidate succeeds as I don’t want to see the club in a messy situation. There’s no agenda to this but all we ask for is an open heart to show some support to the state team,” said Subahan.
The Red Giants are now fourth in the 12-team Super League standings with 23 points after 15 matches and second in their Malaysia Cup Group D campaign with four points tied with Johor Darul Ta’zim – who are with a better goal difference.
Despite the numerous problems, Subahan was also grateful to the boys for their fighting spirit – after winning two away games in Perak (1-0) and Sarawak (2-1) recently.
“We have problems with our pitch as well and when we request to play at the Shah Alam Stadium, it was turned down.
“Although it’s sad to see our side under financial difficulties but coach P. Maniam and our boys have done well to stand fourth placed in the league and stand a chance to qualify into the next stage of the Malaysia Cup.
“I believe it’s our right to ask. We have a pool of passionate young talents from our youth development programme who are willing to fight for the club even in hard times,” praised Subahan. – BY ALVIN OH
