ALOR STAR: The Kedah government is open to assisting Kedah FC, which reportedly still owes its players their salaries.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said any form of aid, however, must be channelled through the Kedah Football Association (KFA).
He urged the management of Kedah FC to meet with KFA to discuss the matter.
"The state government must channel (the aid) through KFA. KFA will assist, but we can't deal directly with a private company (that manages Kedah FC).
"Whatever help we can offer, we'll consider... but they need to contact KFA first," he told reporters today.
Sanusi, who is also KFA president, expressed sympathy for the team and players affected by the salary arrears issue.
"I feel for them. Ask them to contact KFA, and we'll bring this matter to the KFA meeting to see what can be done to help," he said.
It was recently reported that Kedah FC players resumed their boycott of training after the team's management failed to take proactive steps to address the salary arrears issue.
Meanwhile, Sanusi said he cannot intervene in Kedah FC's management, as the team has been restructured as a private club.
"It's a private company that manages KDA FC. I can only consider intervening if necessary, but so far, no players have approached me directly. They've only expressed themselves through the media," he added.
Sanusi said he had met with Kedah FC owner Tan Sri Dr Mohd Daud Bakar but did not elaborate on the details.
"Tan Sri (Daud) contacted me two or three months ago and we meet regularly.
"Additionally, we still have old commitments that were carried over when we previously led KFA, such as repaying instalments on past debts to statutory bodies.
"KFA is still covering the 2024 licence fee as well," he added.