Latest news with #KLCity
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
KL drop coaching bombshell
KUALA LUMPUR: Just two weeks before the new Super League season kicks off, KL City have been rocked by a a dramatic fallout with their head coach Risto Vidakovic. Tensions have erupted behind the scenes, with KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar revealing that the Serbian has threatened to walk out over matters he had previously agreed to. "He said if this continues, he's leaving. And if that happens, Fandi Ahmad (Singapore legend who helped KL win three consecutive Malaysia Cup titles as a player) will take over. We won't beg anyone to stay," Syed Yazid told Timesport in an exclusive interview. Vidakovic's discontent has not only puzzled the management, but also raised eyebrows in the dressing room. Vidakovic's attempt to stop the contract extension of KL captain and icon Paulo Josue has caused shock and confusion, with many questioning his motives. Another worrying issue is that KL's training sessions have reportedly been cut short, some lasting only 30 to 40 minutes, leading to serious concerns about the players' match readiness. "Even our players asked me, 'that's it? We're done training?' At this rate, we're not even 50 per cent fit. It's unacceptable," said Syed Yazid. In a recent media interview, Vidakovic also criticised the quality of KL's temporary training pitch — something Syed Yazid said had already been discussed when he signed on. "He knew that this was a temporary pitch. He agreed. Now it's being used as an excuse. We don't have a permanent ground, but to go out and say this when he had all the information is saying something," said Syed Yazid. Adding to the chaos is that KL won't be signing the foreign players previously linked to the club: Enzo Cora, Nicolao Cardoso, Madger Gomes, Gorka Larrucea and Dmytro Lytvyn. Vidakovic is also said to have apparently refused to honour the club's promise to promote nine Under-23 players to the senior team, opting instead to retain just two, including striker Haqimi Azim Rosli. "We gave these boys hope. It's not right to discard them now," said Syed Yazid. "If you're not here to develop talent and build a club identity, then you're not the right person." Syed Yazid has made it clear that he won't compromise on values, no matter who sits in the dugout.
The Star
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM1mil relief for KLFA but no rash spending, says president
PETALING JAYA: For a team that have previously struggled with financial issues, receiving a windfall is certainly a welcome relief, especially with the new Super League season set to begin on Aug 8. The Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) were handed an unexpected boost when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an RM1mil allocation during their Golden Jubilee celebration on Saturday. However, KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar is keeping his excitement in check, stressing that any decision on how the funds will be used must be carefully discussed with the association's executive committee, with the main priority being the development of Kuala Lumpur football. 'We never asked for it, but the Prime Minister made the announcement himself. I didn't expect it at all. It's a substantial amount, and we are very grateful,' said Yazid. 'KLFA need to discuss on how to use the money thoroughly. What matters most is ensuring that KLFA are well managed. As for KL City's long-standing salary arrears and debts, Yazid said most of the outstanding payments have been resolved, although he declined to reveal the exact amount still owed. This season, KL City have also made bold moves in the transfer market by signing several high-profile players, including Manuel Hidalgo, Syamer Kutty Abba and Safawi Rasid. Yazid expressed his gratitude that the club's finances are now in a more stable position, largely due to the support of patron Fahmi Fadzil. With a strengthened squad, he is aiming for a top-two finish in the Malaysian Super League and a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2). 'For KL City, funding and sponsorship have been flowing in. I would like to thank our patron for being instrumental in helping us secure the necessary support. 'We are financially stable now. Salaries are up to date under the new management and everything is running smoothly. Last season, despite facing severe financial difficulties, KL City still managed to finish sixth in the Super League and reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Cup.
New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Ubaidullah, Haqimi touted as the ones to watch
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) has named centre-back Ubaidullah Shamsul and striker Haqimi Azim Rosli as Malaysia's players to watch at the Asean Under-23 Championship from July 15-29 in Jakarta. Terengganu's Ubaidullah played every minute of the AFF Under-23 Championship two years ago, and also gave a strong showing in last season's Asean Club Championship (ACC). Ubaidullah has impressed with his tackling, positioning and ability to break lines with sharp passes from the back. Though Haqimi was not part of the Under-23 squad in 2023, the KL City striker has earned senior national call-ups and featured in the last two Asean Championships. He also played all five matches for KL City in the ACC, scoring the winner against Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines. Malaysia are drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei in the Asean Under-23 Championship.
New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar Ibrahim signs for Negri Sembilan — no, not the PM
KUALA LUMPUR: In a transfer move that turned heads and triggered double takes across social media, Anwar Ibrahim has signed for Negri Sembilan. No, not Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, but a 26-year-old right back who just happens to share his name with Malaysia's most famous politician. Anwar (the footballer) will don Negri colours for the 2025-2026 M-League season, with the club's announcement quickly going viral and attracting more than 1,500 comments on Facebook. This isn't the first time the Kelantan-born defender has made headlines. In 2023, he caused quite the stir during a KL City match, unintentionally surprising then-Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail when his name was announced as a second-half substitute. It was during the Federal Territories Minister's Cup at the KLFA Stadium, and for a brief moment, Wan Azizah — in the stands — thought her husband was being called into action. KL City went on to beat Perak 3-0, and after the match, with Wan Azizah on medal duty, she made a point to meet and snap a photo with the young namesake. "Akram Mahinan went on stage first and told her my name," recalled Anwar. "She then said she wanted to take a picture with me. I was touched." Anwar's best career moment was winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021 with KL City.
New Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
KL City signs national winger Safawi on loan from JDT
KUALA LUMPUR: National winger Safawi Rasid will play for KL City next season, confirmed Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) president Syed Yazid Syed Omar on Friday. Safawi joins the City Boys on a one-season loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), adding significant firepower to the Klang Valley-based side as they gear up for the 2025-26 M-League campaign. "Safawi? Yes, it's confirmed," said Syed Yazid briefly. The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having made 66 appearances and scored 22 goals for Harimau Malaya. At club level, Safawi has turned out for T-Team, Terengganu, JDT, Portuguese side Portimonense and Thailand's Ratchaburi, collecting multiple M-League titles and domestic honours along the way. Safawi is not expected to be the only new arrival from the south, with KL City also being linked to JDT midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba, who has 42 national caps. Syed Yazid believes KL City will be in good shape next season, with preparations already well underway. "It will be a solid team next season," he said. "There will be a meeting on Monday to finalise matters regarding the squad." He also addressed recent concerns surrounding the club's finances, reassuring fans that KL City are in the clear. "Salaries have been paid. Everything is clear," he said.
