Kota Kinabalu: Sabah FC has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emas Sri Semantan Sdn Bhd, securing a RM4 million sponsorship for the 2026/2027 Malaysia Football League (MFL) season.
The signing ceremony, held at Hilton Kota Kinabalu, marked another significant step in Sabah FC’s efforts to strengthen its network of strategic partners.
The sponsorship, which comes in the form of full financial support, will primarily fund the club’s operational needs throughout the season. Part of the funding will also be allocated to enhance player recovery and performance.
Sabah FC Director Datuk Alijus Sipil described the partnership as a valuable collaboration that extends beyond financial support, saying it will also strengthen the club’s profile and community outreach.
“The involvement of the private sector is crucial for a football club’s sustainable growth, especially in today’s competitive landscape, where strong financial and commercial partnerships are essential.
“Like football clubs in Malaysia and around the world, private sector support, whether through sponsorships, contributions or strategic collaborations, is vital to a club’s survival.
“For Sabah FC, this partnership will support the team’s operational requirements for the 2026/2027 season. It will also contribute to our long-term plans, including improving facilities to enhance player recovery and performance,” he said.
Alijus added that Sabah FC welcomes greater participation from the corporate sector and is currently engaged in discussions with several potential sponsors on future collaborations.
Emas Sri Semantan Chairman Hafizal Mahmood said the company decided to partner with Sabah FC because of football’s strong connection with the people of Sabah and the unwavering support shown by the club’s fans.
“Football resonates deeply with the people of Sabah. We see this collaboration with Sabah FC as an excellent platform for Emas Sri Semantan to connect with the wider community while strengthening our brand presence in the state.
“We are also impressed by Sabah FC management’s commitment to building a competitive team and improving the club’s overall performance. This gives us the confidence to come on board as a strategic partner,” he said.
Hafizal added that the partnership would extend beyond the first team, with both parties exploring initiatives focused on community development.
Also present to witness the signing between Alijus and Hafizal was Sabah Football Association President Datuk Awang Kadin Tang.
