Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin has an ambitious plan to revitalise the financially struggling Kuala Lumpur City FC by transforming the football team’s brand into a sports hub.
In addition to football, Megat Shahriman intends to establish swimming, rugby, and blind football clubs under the Kuala Lumpur City FC banner. He draws inspiration from Barcelona FC, which houses multiple sports clubs, including basketball, roller hockey, handball, and hockey.
Megat Shahriman also plans to involve fans in the club’s management, similar to Barcelona, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and CA Osasuna – four La Liga clubs wholly owned by their supporters.
“There are 8.8 million people in the Klang Valley, with 2.4 million living in the heart of the city, according to Kuala Lumpur City Hall,” said Megat Shahriman. “To engage the community, we must offer more than just football. I’m looking at swimming, rugby, and blind football as a start.”
He added, “If we can get 500,000 residents to join Kuala Lumpur City FC by paying RM10 annually, that would generate RM5 million. If they pay RM100, we’re looking at RM50 million.”
Megat Shahriman is no stranger to the local sports scene. He was the former president of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association and now serves as president of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia.
“We have good people in Kuala Lumpur City FC, but the funding structure is flawed. The club can’t keep depending on government money,” he said.
Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa recently stated that City Hall is not obligated to fund the team, following calls for the local council to bail out Kuala Lumpur City FC.
Last month, team captain Paulo Josue claimed he hadn’t received his salary for seven months, while the club asserted it only owed its players two months’ wages.
“Whether it’s two or seven months, a club shouldn’t owe its players money. Footballers have families to support. How would you feel if you didn’t get paid for a month?” asked Megat Shahriman.
“Kuala Lumpur City FC has so much potential. The team won the Malaysia Cup in 2021 after a 32-year wait and reached the AFC Cup final the following year. If given the chance, I can make a difference.”
The club needs RM1 million monthly to cover its expenses, including salaries for players, coaching staff, and officials.
Megat Shahriman had previously expressed interest in taking over the club. He now plans to send another letter to the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA) ahead of its elections on Sept 7.
“I will reiterate my desire to revamp the club by taking a 51 per cent stake,” he said. “Unfortunately, I’ll be in Paris for the Paralympics and won’t be able to attend the elections. Hopefully, whoever takes over KLFA will consider my proposal,” he added.
