New Straits Times

Kelantan FC boss buys Indonesian club

- Farah Azharie

KELANTAN FC owner Norizam Tukiman is expanding his football beyond Malaysia.

Known as Zamsaham, the businessma­n is now in Indonesia to acquire League 2 club PSPS Riau in Pekanbaru.

Norizam, who is involved in the hotel industry and burger business among others, is seen by Indonesian fans in good light, having saved Kelantan football from financial troubles.

Norizam said yesterday: “The Indonesia football industry will be as great as its country’s economy by 2024

“That is why I am investing now. We build Kelantan FC and PSPS Riau under The Red Warriors (TRW) roof.

“I love PSPS Riau’s fan-base like how I love TRW Kelantan FC fans who want their football to grow.

“It’s pride. Now Kelantan can work with PSPS Riau because they share the same owner.”

Effective yesterday, Norizam was also appointed as the Indonesian club’s president.

A PSPS Riau statement said: “The club is now looking forward to a better future (following the involvemen­t of Norizam).

Other Malaysians who have bought foreign football clubs include Tan Sri Vincent Tan (Belgium’s KV Kortrijk, English Championsh­ip side Cardiff City, Bosnian club FK Sarajevo and American team, Los Angeles FC).

Recently, JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim was reported to be linked to the acquisitio­n of Spanish club Valencia CF.

AirAsia chief Tan Sri Tony Fernandes was the owner of Queens Park Rangers from 2011 to 2018.

 ?? PIC COURTESY OF PSPS RIAU ?? Norizam Tukiman checking out the PSPS Riau club in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, yesterday.
PIC COURTESY OF PSPS RIAU Norizam Tukiman checking out the PSPS Riau club in Pekanbaru, Indonesia, yesterday.

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