09/10/1997
THE Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA), burdened with financial woes, will approach
Kuala Lumpur City Hall today to bail them out.
KLFA president Datuk Seri Megat Junid Megat Ayub said yesterday that he
was unable to raise funds and his efforts have been hampered by the
economic problems facing the country.
"We need RM500,000 for our Malaysia Cup campaign. All the bonuses,
incentives and preparations make up a large amount," said Megat.
"We will send someone to approach KL City Hall.
"If we can't source for funds, I will propose KL withdraw from the
tournament."
Megat said the alternative is for him to borrow and leave it to his
successor to pay the debts.
"But that is not my style, that is why I did not approach the FA of
Malaysia (FAM) for emergency funds."
Megat, who is also the Chef-de-Mission to the Sea Games, was speaking
after receiving RM60,000 from Spritzer, Olympic Council of Malaysia's
official mineral water.
Megat said KLFA got a RM200,000 contribution from City Hall this year
and they managed to secure a RM1 million sponsorship from the Berjaya
Group. There is also the annual RM700,000 FAM subsidy.
"That is how KLFA got the RM2 million to survive the M-League. For the
Malaysia Cup we need another half-a-million. I don't have it. I don't know
how to proceed in light of the economic situation in the country."
He said the monthly expenditure of KLFA is RM170,000.
"I have a few friends who pay the salaries of the foreign players and
hire some locals on contract,"said Megat.
He named Malaysian Electric Company, Talam, Kazen, Renong and Innovest
as friends from the corporate world who saw KLFA during the difficult
times.
Megat said he cannot beg his friends any longer and feel that KL should
skip the Malaysia Cup.
KL, who failed to enter the Malaysia Cup the last four years, are in
Group A with Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Brunei and Kedah.
(END)
