Latest news with #KLFA
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Vidakovic 'unfazed' by claims of discontent, commits to KL City
KUALA LUMPUR: Under-fire KL City coach Risto Vidakovic has finally broken his silence, brushing off explosive allegations made by Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) president Syed Yazid Syed Omar. Last week, Timesport reported that Vidakovic was on the verge of quitting the club following tensions over training sessions, foreign player selection, and the controversial exclusion of club icon Paulo Josue. Syed Yazid claimed that players were unhappy with the Serbian's methods, including allegedly running training sessions as short as 40 minutes. KL City are believed to be considering a move for club legend Fandi Ahmad, who guided Sri Pahang to last year's Malaysia Cup final, as Vidakovic's potential replacement for the new M-League season. But Vidakovic has dismissed the claims, insisting he remains committed to taking the City Boys forward. "I don't have anything to say. I never discuss matters through the press, it's not my way," said the 56-year-old. "If I have something to say, I'll speak directly to the person. It doesn't matter what he (Syed Yazid) said. The most important thing is what the players think of me." Vidakovic made it clear that public criticism doesn't faze him. "Everybody is responsible for their own words. You'll have to ask him, I'm not going to comment," he added, revealing he hasn't spoken to the players about the allegations but is staying focused on the task at hand. "We're concentrating on training and the next games. Maybe someone had a bad day and said something they shouldn't have. I'm not going to get into it." The former Melaka United and Lion City Sailors coach also addressed questions over foreign signings and team selection, stressing that the squad remains a work in progress. "We started a bit late and have only had four friendly matches so far. You need six to seven months to build a proper team," he said. "I know 99 per cent of the players who will stay, but it's not the time to reveal anything yet." While admitting his side are still "far" from ready, the former Real Betis and Red Star Belgrade centre-back is encouraged by the squad's progress. "I'm pleased with how they're working. From the first game until yesterday, we've seen real improvement," he said.
New Straits Times
25-07-2025
- 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.
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Will RM1 million windfall lift City Boys?
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur FC will have few excuses if they don't do well in the Super League this season. Their fans will expect a better showing from the City Boys after a surprise RM1 million sponsorship from the government on Saturday. KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar welcomed the surprise RM1 million grant. However, KL fans will now demand results and better long-term planning from the city team. On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM1 million allocation to help boost football in Kuala Lumpur, during KLFA's 50th Jubilee celebration. The announcement took the KLFA leadership by surprise. "I didn't expect it at all. We didn't ask, but the prime minister announced it in front of everyone. I am very thankful," said Syed Yazid. "We'll discuss how to use the funds during our exco meeting. What's important is that the money will help us manage KLFA better. "There are no salary arrears (involving the KL Super League team) and we've resolved old issues with former players and staff amicably," he said. However, the RM1 million injection has also led to many fans asking whether KLFA can justify such high-level backing. Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli urged KLFA to treat the RM1 million sponsorship as a responsibility, not a reward. "When the prime minister gives you RM1 million without being asked, it's not just a gift, it's a responsibility," said Pekan. "The fans are right to ask questions. KLFA has to prove we deserve this support. That means showing real progress, not just on the pitch, but in how we manage the team, invest in development, and rebuild trust in the structure."
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.
Malaysiakini
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
PM announces RM1m for football group, emphasises ethical sports culture
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced an allocation of RM1 million to the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) in support of efforts to revitalise football in the capital city. Anwar said the government consistently encouraged the development of football, which he described as a people's sport that was widely loved and participated in...
