RM200k donation for Kedah FC players, staff ahead of Raya

Cash-strapped Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC players, coaches, and officials breathed a sigh of relief after receiving donations through the Kedah Football Players’ Aidilfitri Fund.

The total contribution of about RM200,000 was presented by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail during a ceremony at a hotel in Alor Setar today.

He said the donation was expected to relieve some of the pain and hardship of the players and team officials due to salary arrears for up to 10 months now.

“We managed to raise RM200,000 as of noon yesterday. I am grateful that this initiative can help ease their financial burden.

“Imagine a week of uncertain Raya preparations as a result of not getting a monthly salary for quite a long time,” Saifuddin said after presenting the donation.

The fund came through the effort of three NGOs to help ease the burden of players and officials ahead of the Aidilfitri celebrations.

The NGOs are the Rangkaian Anak Darulaman Se-Malaysia, Pertubuhan Sukarelawan Rakyat Aman, and Persatuan Anak Darulaman Malaysia.

The KDA FC faced a financial crisis that worsened to the point where the team’s players and officials faced almost a year’s salary arrears and are currently in 11th place in the Super League.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said he held discussions with KDA FC owner Daud Bakar to discuss the direction of the club.

“The previous meeting was driven by my interest in football and the Kedah state team,” said Saifuddin who did not elaborate on the details of the discussion.

He added that he understands the difficult moments that Daud is going through.

- Bernama

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