The Kedah political crisis has not only cost the state’s football team several lucrative sponsorship deals but also resulted in a purported cancellation of plans to hold a party to reveal its official jerseys for this season.

A source told Malaysiakini that prior to the change in state leadership, a ‘grand party’ was initially planned to celebrate the team’s achievement as runner-up in last year’s Malaysia Cup, as well as to reveal its new line-up and jerseys.

“The earlier proposal was for the event to be held at Aman Central Mall in Alor Setar. During the event, Kedah FA wanted to provide football fans with the opportunity to get to know the team.

“Now we do not know what has happened. The menteri besar only met the team once. As supporters (of KFA), we feel a bit disappointed,” the source said in reference to the newly-appointed Kedah Umno chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

Bashah, as then Kedah Umno vice-chief, had led the move to oust former menteri besar Mukhriz Mahathir ( photo ).

Mukhriz was eventually forced to resign after about two weeks of political turmoil and he had also stepped down as KFA president. The post was taken over by Bashah.

The source, meanwhile, said that KFA’s management under the new president should be more aware of fan sentiments to support the team.

“All the other teams had grand parties to appreciate the support of their fans and boost their spirits ahead of the new season.

“KFA’s move to reveal the jerseys by (only) recording a video looks like a coward’s way to avoid facing the fans,” he said, alluding to unhappiness among local football supporters with Mukhriz’s sudden replacement.

In one of his final public appearances as menteri besar, Mukhriz had attended a football match where about 10,000 people showed up to show support to the embattled politician.

Through its official Facebook page, KFA’s management has uploaded a video and photographs of its new line-up wearing the three sets of new jerseys.

The jerseys bore names of the team’s official sponsors including Discover Kedah, Warrix, PKNK (Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah) and Sada (Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd).