IPOH, May 24 — The Perak Football Association (PAFA) has urged cosmetic industry entrepreneur Datuk Seri Dr Hasmiza Othman to come forward for a discussion if she is serious about her plan to take over Perak FC.
PAFA president Datuk Muhammad Yadzan Mohammad said the association would be in a position to brief her on the direction for Perak FC and any issues affecting the team.
“So far neither she nor anyone representing her has contacted or submitted any official application to discuss this matter with PAFA. With the Perak FC management, we do not know (whether there have been discussions).
“As far as PAFA is concerned, any party is welcome to take over Perak FC. We can sit down to work out a win-win situation for both sides,” he told Bernama when contacted today.
Last week, Hasmiza, popularly known as Datuk Seri Vida, told Bernama that the high cost of maintaining the Perak FC team was among the factors she was looking into before committing herself to buying over the team.
She said a careful evaluation was necessary to ensure a win-win situation as running a football team involved major expenses such as players’ salaries.
Muhammad Yadzan said it was understandable for any potential buyers to consider the possible return on investment but they should also be mindful of the vision to regain Perak’s glory days in football.
“I believe that with the right management and marketing strategy, Insya-Allah they (buyers) will also benefit,” he added.
Asked on the Perak FC board of directors’ reluctance to accept chief executive officer Rizal Ali Naizali’s resignation on May 10, he said PAFA did not want to get involved in the matter.
However, he said regardless of the decision on Rizal’s position, the issue of salary arrears affecting players should be resolved.
Sources: BERNAMA