MR IN DEBT?

Malaysian Rugby official admits association in financial trouble

“EXTERNALLY it looks great, we have tournaments and such but internally, we are suffering.” This was stated by a Malaysian Rugby (MR) official who declined to be named, in an interview with NSTP Sport recently.

He claimed MR, the national body, are spending more than what they get, and their “political habits” are crippling them,” said the insider who admitted that MR had received good sponsorships from UEM, Bank Islam and Naza.

“Why are we spending in places we’re not supposed to? Where is the priority?

“Previously, we used to run the Agong’s Cup or the Malaysia Rugby League at around RM60,000 to RM80,000 but now the amount is doubled or even tripled. Why?

“Mainly because we want to please the states by giving them subsidies, grants and helping them have big prize money in their tournaments. But for what?

“If our priority is towards pleasing the players and teams with prize money, then the purpose is wrong.

“Playing for the national team is all about money now but that was never the case and it’s always been about playing for pride but the attitude has changed now.”

The insider claimed that MR are now more than half a million in debt and he wonders who would be bold enough to lead the association if current president Datuk Shahrul Zaman Yahya resigns as speculated.

“Who wants to be the new president? They will have to start by paying off debts. Would you want to come into an organisation that is in debt?