PETALING JAYA: Former Kedah midfielder and current technical director Nelson San Martin has issued a heartfelt public appeal, revealing he is battling severe financial hardship after months of unpaid wages.
Once a key figure in Kedah’s historic double treble triumphs in 2007 and 2008, the Chilean is now facing one of the toughest periods of his life off the pitch, struggling to make ends meet while still under contract with the club.
“Years ago, I gave everything I had for the green and yellow jersey, sharing unforgettable moments with the fans,” he said in an emotional post on social media, accompanied by a QR code – a stark sign of his desperation.
“Today, I come not to celebrate success, but to share a heavy heart.”
The Chilean, who played as a central midfielder during his professional career, featured for clubs in South America before moving to Malaysia, where he became a fan favourite during his stint with Kedah.
Known for his work rate, leadership and composure on the ball, he later transitioned into coaching and was appointed as the club’s technical director.
San Martin disclosed that his financial struggles have been ongoing since 2024, but have worsened in recent months.
Despite signing a new deal in November 2025 with Kedah – now competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League – he has not received full salary payments for over two months, with his last partial payment made on Jan 10.
“Since then, every attempt to contact the club has been met with silence. There has been no communication or support, and there is not even a physical office I can go to for answers,” he said.
The outstanding payments, he added, include arrears from his previous contract, leaving him unable to cover basic living expenses such as rent while also dealing with urgent legal matters back home in Chile.
“I am a father and a provider, yet my family and I are struggling to get through each day. We lack even the most basic necessities, and the pain of not being able to provide is unbearable,” he said.
Despite his difficulties, San Martin expressed gratitude to Kedah supporters and close friends who have offered assistance during this period.
“The support from the fans has kept me going. I may be a foreigner, but Malaysia is my home. I have endured these hardships because I truly want to continue living and working in this beautiful country,” he added.
He also made a direct appeal to Kedah owner Tan Sri Dr Mohd Daud Bakar, hoping for dialogue to resolve the issue.
“I still hold onto hope that my employer will contact me. I am only asking for the dignity of a direct conversation.”
While emphasising that he does not see himself as a football legend, San Martin reiterated his commitment to Malaysian football and his desire to continue contributing in a coaching capacity.
“I am just a man who gave his heart and soul to Kedah. My only wish is to keep giving back,” he said.
