KUALA LUMPUR: The three Australians who played a key role in the Red Giants' Malaysia Cup triumph in 1995, are still waiting for a response from Selangor on their claim for an apartment each as a reward.
Former midfielder Josip Biskic said they have not received any response from the FA of Selangor (FAS) on the matter.
The retired footballer said he feels unappreciated after learning that his former Selangor teammates - all local players - have been given the apartments.
Timesport reported last September that 26 players and officials were finally rewarded - 27 years after their Malaysia Cup triumph - in a ceremony which saw them each receiving a Selangorku Housing E-type flat (Idaman Abadi Apartments) in Hulu Langat, said to be valued at RM250,000 and fully furnished.
Among the players present at the ceremony were former Selangor captain Ismail Ibrahim, Datuk K. Rajagobal, Azman Adnan and Asmawi Bakari.
Biskic said: "Nothing much has happened since the article (in Timesport) came out."
He said Dave Mitchell had sent an e-mail, asking about the "Malaysia Cup reward", last month to FAS, but there was no response.
"Dave has been following up on behalf of Mehmet (Durakovic) and me but it would be great to at least hear something.
Biskic, Mitchell and Durakovic were credited with playing key roles in helping Selangor beat Pahang 1-0.
In the first minute of extra time, Biskic took the corner, Durakovic flicked the ball on to Mitchell who drove it into the net. And Selangor ended a nine-year drought for the Malaysia Cup title.
"We were pretty much part of the team back then. We weren't classified as foreigners, we gave it our all to win the games, fought for Selangor, but in the end, you do feel a bit sore as if we didn't exist over there," said Biskic.
It is understood that FAS had sent a letter to the Selangor state government on Nov 9, 2022, seeking a solution for five people who did not receive the "apartment reward". The five include Biskic, Mitchell, Durakovic, former assistant manager Datuk S. Pathy and former head coach, the late Ken Worden.
FAS secretary general Izrin Nabil Ismail said: "We had a discussion with the state government regarding this matter last week, and they are waiting for their next meeting to finalise the incentives for the foreigners.
"They have reached out to us for suggestions on what are the alternatives for the foreigners.
"We suggested (to the state government) that the reward (for the three Australians) would be at least similar in terms of the value to what the locals were given."
Izrin said he is optimistic that the matter will be resolved soon.