KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur City FC expressed their gratitude to long-serving club president, Khalid Abdul Samad, for his contributions in keeping the club running over the years.
The 66-year-old, who took charge in 2019, officially resigned from his role with immediate effect yesterday.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who is also the club’s patron, applauded the former federal territories minister for his role in leading the club to become one of Malaysian football’s current powerhouses.
“Whatever Khalid has done for the club is something irreplaceable; the club has seen so much success under his presidency, and now it’s time for all of us to uphold the legacy that he has created.
“Despite the challenges, he managed the situations in the club during the Covid-19 pandemic and ensured that he provided everyone, especially the players, with all the necessities so that they could perform their best on the pitch.
“Khalid has also never lost his focus on performing his duties despite the country going through political instability, and we all need to appreciate him for that.
“KL City FC is forever grateful to him, and I wish him all the best,” said Fahmi when met at the Teh Hijau Kuala Lumpur programme at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium yesterday.
Meanwhile, KL City FC chief executive officer Stanley Bernard said Khalid was the most committed and dedicated president in the club’s history since their establishment in 1974.
“No one can come close to what he has done for the club over the years. He was my mentor since the day I came on board, and we always shared the same desire and passion for making KL City FC a force to be reckoned with in the country.
“For me, Khalid has been the best president in the history of the club, and we are forever indebted to his services,” said Stanley.
In November last year, Stanley and Khalid took a separate loan worth RM300,000 to pay their players, whose salaries were overdue by several months.
The club suffered a severe financial blow after Rinani Group Bhd reduced its sponsorship to 10% from 51% last year.
Despite their financial issues, KL City FC maintained their mid-table grip in the Super League last season, finishing seventh with 38 points.
In 2021, the club, under the guidance of Bojan Hodak, made waves by lifting the Malaysia Cup, outperforming their limited budget to defeat powerhouses Johor Darul Ta’zim in the final.
The Croatian’s cup-winning team featured experienced players such as Safee Sali, Shukor Adan, and Indra Putra Mahayuddin. – May 17,2024