KFA rejects RM30 million sponsorship deal by D'Herbs

The Kedah Football Association (KFA) today rejected a RM30 million sponsorship deal by D'Herbs Holdings (M) Sdn Bhd (D'Herbs).

KFA's honorary secretary Datuk Aminuddin Omar said the decision was made after finding there were several conditions set by the sponsor which were difficult for KFA to accept.

"After the discussions in KFA's management meetings, we found that there were a number of conditions set by D'Herbs which were unacceptable, and could make things difficult for KFA, however, the contents of the deal cannot be revealed.

"Although the sponsorship will not go ahead, KFA is grateful to D'Herbs for their willingness to help enhance KFA's image, and we hope collaborations could continue through other mediums," he told reporters at Stadium Darul Aman today.

On April 23, D'Herbs founder Datuk Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman confirmed that the company had agreed to sponsor RM30 million over three years for KFA's football development programme, as well as repairing the Darul Aman Stadium.

Aminuddin said KFA had yet to receive sponsorship offers from any other company, and that they still had other alternatives to continue running the association like the seasons before this.

"Even without sponsorship, it will not affect the financial resources of KFA. However, we are aware the financial aspect is necessary to enable us to cover expenses such as finding players of calibre, and ensuring the players are comfortable.

"So KFA is always open to accept any company that would like to sponsor, however the conditions set should be acceptable to both parties for future's sake," he said.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin hoped that fans could understand the decision taken by the KFA to reject the sponsorship, as he stressed that the association had the same drive as the fans to see the Red Eagles succeed.

"We understand the fans will be disappointed with KFA's decision, but we want to make sure that our football team is successful, and KFA president Datuk Seri Ahmad Basha Md Hanipah will also find ways to continue improving football in Kedah," he said.