FOOTBALL fans in Selangor are up in arms after hearing news that the state football association may decide to quit the Malaysian league.
Budget constraints appear to be one of the reasons for this. The popular Red Giants, who have been champions for decades and have a big following, are now caught in a bind.
Leaving the league would hit both the state team and render the national league less attractive. Selangor, a team full of traditions and trophies, has always been a big draw.
Leaving the national league would hit Selangor more than the Football Association of Malaysia. Deprived of playing in the major league would signal the start of an exodus of state players to other states.
Yesterday, Selangor fans submitted a memorandum to the Selangor palace asking for Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to intervene. It’s very likely that the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah would handle the matter on behalf of the palace.
Football is a big issue in Selangor. Handling the issue wrongly or badly can have deep and serious repercussions. Asking the state government to provide the budget to run the football team would be wrong if not sinful.
The administrators of the Football Association of Selangor must find new and innovative ways to raise funds.
Don’t tell me and Selangor fans that there are no good fundraisers in the state! Come on!
I saw a tweet from Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali that said: “DYTM Raja Muda’s call for FAS revamp — I support it 100 per cent. Those who can’t do the job must make way for those who can.”
Email: ahmadt51@gmail.com
Twitter: @aatpahitmanis
Ahmad A Talib, is the chairman of Yayasan Salam Malaysia.