Latest news with #PerakFootballAssociation
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak start anew by competing in A1 Semi-Pro League next season
PETALING JAYA: Perak will compete in the A1 Semi-Pro League next season, joining their northern neighbours Kedah, who have also pledged to do so. After the previous owners said they would not compete in any competition due to finances, the Perak Football Association (Pafa) said they would chart a fresh course with renewed energy and a clear vision to reclaim their proud legacy in Malaysian football. On May 23, Kedah and Perak failed to obtain the National Licence required for participation in the 2025-2026 Super League season. Pafa's immediate focus now lies in assembling a competitive team, with the Malaysia Games (Sukma) Perak squad forming the backbone of this rebuilding phase. This team will serve as the foundation for Perak's return to prominence in the domestic scene. Plans are under way to compete in AFL-sanctioned leagues as a starting point, alongside long-term preparations for Sukma 2026, the President's Cup 2026, and Youth Cup 2026 campaigns. Now standing as the central pillar of football in the state, Pafa acknowledge the disappointment felt by fans in recent years, but calls for unity and belief. 'This is the time to come together, rebuild, and plant the seeds of renewed hope,' said Azhar. 'We don't promise miracles, but we promise extraordinary commitment, perseverance, and an unwavering fighting spirit. For the crest, for the pride, and Perak Darul Ridzuan, so stay with us.'
The Star
29-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
PAFA won't leave young players in the lurch after Perak's pullout
PETALING JAYA: The Perak Football Association (PAFA) are ready to help young Perak players following the club's decision to pull out of next year's Super League. PAFA president Datuk Mohd Azhar Jamaluddin said the association respected owners XOX's decision to withdraw from the league due to financial constraints faced by the company. 'The association take note of XOX's decision to dissolve the team and withdraw from the Super League,' he said. 'PAFA deeply appreciates and extends its sincere gratitude to XOX for their contribution to the team. 'We also sympathise with the issues faced by Perak players, especially the young players. PAFA will assist within their capabilities, especially in football development and the careers of young Perak players.'' Despite the team being dissolved, Azhar said football will continue to grow in the state through grassroots development efforts carried out by the association. 'Currently, PAFA are forming the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) team while also providing experience to the team by allowing them to compete in the A1 orA2 league. 'We will also seek advice from the state government, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Malaysian Football League (MFL), and Amateur Football League (AFL) on the next steps to be taken,' he said. On Saturday, Perak chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi said the owners XOX had officially withdrawn from next season's Super League, ending the team's journey.
The Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
State government can't come to troubled club's aid
PETALING JAYA: The Perak state government has announced that it is unable to address the ongoing salary issues facing the Perak football team. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohammad explained that the government cannot provide financial assistance due to the soaring operational costs, a dilemma that many state teams across the nation are currently grappling with. 'Football in Malaysia has become increasingly burdensome financially, making it unsustainable for the state government to support,' he said. Saarani noted that this situation is precisely why a transition to private sector sponsorship was agreed upon for the club. He drew a comparison with England, stating: 'In England, while ticket prices may be high, stadiums are filled to capacity. In contrast, ticket prices in Malaysia are low with fewer attendees, yet player salaries remain elevated. This creates a financial strain that both clubs and state governments cannot bear.' Saarani emphasised that the financial constraints are not unique to Perak, urging fans to understand that other states are also unable to resolve the fiscal challenges their clubs endure. 'The Perak state government cannot help settle the salary arrears for Perak players - that responsibility rests with the sponsor,' he concluded. However, he assured that the state government remains committed to fostering football development through the Perak Football Association (Pafa), who are tasked with scouting talent across school and district competitions. 'The cost of football development is manageable, and the state has allocated approximately RM1mil to support these initiatives. We are providing the association with essential funding,' he said. In a startling announcement on Saturday, Perak confirmed that they would not participate in next year's Super League. Club chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi disclosed that the club are officially up for sale, inviting any interested conglomerates or businesses to come forward. Perak, established in 1921, has a storied history, competing in every league format to date and boasting eight Malaysia Cup titles. The future of this historic club now hangs in the balance as they seek new ownership and financial stability.
Free Malaysia Today
27-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
State govt cannot resolve Perak FC's financial crisis, says Saarani
The Perak government is unable to solve the problem of Perak FC players' salary arrears, according to menteri besar Saarani Mohamad. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Perak government is unable to resolve the financial crisis faced by the Perak FC football team, says menteri besar Saarani Mohamad. He said it is too costly to finance Perak FC as it is a huge expenditure incurred every season, Bernama reported. 'The game of football in Malaysia is too expensive, and the state government is unable to bear the cost anymore. 'I hope Perak football fans understand that it is not only our state that cannot afford it but other states are facing the same problem too (with their football team). 'We (the state government) are also not able to solve the problem of salary arrears for Perak FC players,' he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration at the Indera Mulia Stadium in Ipoh today. However, Saarani said the development of football would still continue through the Perak Football Association which plays a role in unearthing new talents from schools and youths. 'The cost (of football development) is very affordable and the state government has also helped to finance about RM1 million into finding new talent,' he was quoted as saying. Yesterday, Perak FC chairman Azim Zabidi reportedly confirmed that the squad had to withdraw from the Malaysia Super League competition next season due to financial issues. Azim was reported to have said his team had done everything it could to develop the club, including spending almost RM40 million over the past three years.
Malay Mail
27-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Perak FC faces financial hurdle too big for state government to clear, says Saarani
IPOH, April 27 — The Perak state government is unable to resolve the financial crisis that is currently plaguing the Perak FC football team said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, adding that the cost of financing Perak FC is too high and of course it requires a huge expenditure every season. 'The game of football in Malaysia is too expensive, unbearable by the state government. I hope football fans understand, not only Perak cannot afford it, other states (football teams have financial problems) also cannot (help solve). 'We (the state government) are also not able to solve the problem of salary arrears for Perak FC players. It is at the expense of (the sponsor of Perak FC),' he said when met by reporters after attending the Aidilfitri Raya ceremony of Perak government-linked companies (GLCs) with the Menteri Besar at the Indera Mulia Stadium compound here said however, the development of football would still continue through the Perak Football Association (PAFA) which plays a role in unearthing new talents from school students and youths.'The cost (of football development) is very affordable and the state government has also helped to finance about RM1 million,' he Perak FC chairman Datuk Seri Azim Zabidi reportedly confirmed that squad had to withdraw from the Super League competition next season due to financial was reported to have said that his team had done everything it could to develop the team, including spending almost RM40 million over the past three years. — Bernama
