KUALA LUMPUR – Popular film producer and screenwriter Datuk Afdlin Shauki is ready to revolutionise the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) by adopting the same business model practised by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), should he win the deputy president position in the upcoming KLFA elections on October 12.
The elections, initially scheduled for September 7, were postponed due to a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds.
Speaking to Scoop, Afdlin,—who recently directed the documentary Harimau Malaya: The Untold Journey, which premiered last month—said he plans to resolve the financial issues that have plagued Kuala Lumpur City FC which falls under the purview of KLFA.
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 totalling RM300,000 to cover players’ salaries, which had been overdue for months.
The club’s financial troubles were further highlighted when their skipper Paulo Josue revealed he had not received his salary for seven months and was relying on his savings.
“I look up to JDT and admire the business model employed by the Johor Regent, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. I share his passion for the game and respect how he manages his club. With my close connections to several government-linked companies (GLCs), I’m confident I can bring in the funds needed to settle the financial arrears.
“I also aim to significantly invest in KLFA’s grassroots programmes, leagues, and academies, which produce many players for KL City FC. More funding in these areas will help develop local talent and reduce reliance on foreign players. This will also help mitigate the wage issues.
“I may not have football management experience, and I’m not Jurgen Klopp, but I believe change can happen gradually over the next four years if I’m elected.
“I’m confident because, aside from making movies, I’m passionate and knowledgeable about the game. A historically rich association like KLFA must not be allowed to decline, and I won’t let that happen. I will be supporting Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid for president while running for deputy. Let’s hope for the best,” Afdlin said when contacted.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil had shown interest in running but later withdrew following a cabinet directive advising ministers not to hold positions in sports associations.
KL United FC director Syed Yazid Syed Omar and Brunei Darussalam executive advisor Datuk Azril Mat Drus are also expected to contest for the top post. However, KLFA has yet to confirm the official list of candidates.
Afdlin, who is also a PKR member, dismissed rumours that his candidacy in the KLFA elections was driven by party leaders, including Fahmi, who serves as KL City FC’s patron.
“The rumours linking my interest in KLFA to PKR are baseless. My involvement is purely driven by my passion for the sport and my desire to save the club. I’m not just focused on KL; I want all the clubs in the Malaysia Super League to succeed through proper administration.
“My team and I will field a strong lineup if we win this year’s KLFA election. Even if we don’t win, I will continue to offer my expertise to help other clubs across the country facing the same challenges as KL City,” Afdlin added.
KL City FC currently ranks 11th in the Super League standings, with eight points from ten matches. — September 27, 2024