IPOH: The possibility of Perak Football Club heading towards closure is understandable as operating costs are high, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said running a football club has become costly, and too much for the state to bear.
“I heard that Pahang, Perlis and Kedah were also facing similar problems earlier.
"Football in Malaysia has become very expensive and it is too high a cost for the state governments to bear," he told reporters after attending the Riang Ria Aidilfitri GLC open house here today (April 27).
"That is why we agreed that private companies should take over and sponsor football clubs,” he added.
Perak FC's owner XOX Bhd had reportedly pulled out of next year's Super League due to financial issues.
It is also said that the shutdown of the club was possible unless a new buyer comes in.
Saarani said that the situation in Malaysia cannot be compared to England.
"Ticket prices here are low, and fewer people are going to matches.
"The salaries of professional players are high, and the club can no longer afford it," he said.
"If Perak FC decides to dissolve, it would be the best decision for them," he added.
Saarani said that football development at the state level would continue through the Perak Football Association (PAFA).
“PAFA will continue to focus on scouting and developing new talents from primary and secondary schools, youth teams and local football clubs.
“We helped fund two tournaments, namely the Piala Yang Amat Berhormat Menteri Besar and Liga Perak Sejahtera last year, and the cost for both was less than RM1mil," he said.
“So if it’s about promoting football as a sport at a reasonable cost, the state government will continue to assist through PAFA, but to sponsor a fully-fledged private team that is very expensive, that is something we cannot afford.
"I hope football fans understand. It’s not just Perak that cannot afford it, even other states face the same financial burden,” he added.
When asked if the state government would assist players who had not received their salaries, Saarani said it was under the responsibility of Perak FC.
“We cannot intervene. If we help them, what about the 400 factory workers who were laid off without pay when several factories closed?”.
“It’s the same situation, it falls under the company’s (Perak FC) responsibility," he said.
