Why waste money buying a World Cup magazine when the information is readily available online?
That was the first question posed to Johnson Fernandez, managing editor of the ‘Qatar World Cup’ collectable that went on sale earlier this month.
“Many World Cup fans have been collecting these magazines for many years, and from the early orders that we’ve received, it shows that there is still a great demand,” said Fernandez.
“We received many bulk orders (a minimum of 50 magazines), and we put their company’s logos on the cover. That was a big hit.
“I am still getting orders from companies that want their logos on the cover.”
Fernandez, who was the former sports editor of The Malay Mail, said his magazine stands out as it consists of original content that cannot be found elsewhere.
He added that it is not skewed to any particular team and that all 32 nations received the same coverage.
“We have in-depth analyses of the teams involved and vibrant full-colour posters of the 32 teams and players,” he said.
“I would also like to thank our publisher, Kay Mathy, who initiated the idea for the book and for securing a critical partner for the special effects on the cover.”
But what sets it apart from other World Cup publications is a foreword by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Getting Al-Sultan Abdullah, once president of the Football Association of Malaysia, to pen his thoughts was a great scoop for Fernandez.
“I have known him for many years. I know he is a big fan of Brazil and the World Cup, and was shocked that he agreed to pen the foreword,” added Fernandez.
“That adds prestige to our publication and elevates it to a collectable that not just football fans would love to have.”
Separately, Johnson said 50 copies were donated to A Call To Serve, a faith-inspired organisation which provides medical assistance to refugees, asylum seekers and detainees in immigration detention centres in Peninsular Malaysia.
“All proceeds from the sale of the books will go to them. We are not taking a single sen,” he said.
Priced at RM69.90, fans can order it from or .
