Malaysian Super League club Penang has secured a RM 2 million sponsorship from the E&O Group of companies, the Malay Mail reported. Penang's state Chief Minister and football association president, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, said the big sponsorship came with the condition that the team be known as Penang E&O and also performance options.
However he reminded the public of the need for grassroots development and appealed for sponsorship for junior-age-group competitions.
"The last three years the [Penang state] FA’s financial strength has been low due to the poor gate collection and the inability to get big sponsors. The gate collection from about RM 1.3 million three years ago has dipped to about RM 300,000. We have to address this downturn and get the fans to fill the stadium and for this to happen we have to play well and produce results. Not only does the FAP need the financial support, likewise the players also need the moral support of the fans," he said.
However he reminded the public of the need for grassroots development and appealed for sponsorship for junior-age-group competitions.
"The last three years the [Penang state] FA’s financial strength has been low due to the poor gate collection and the inability to get big sponsors. The gate collection from about RM 1.3 million three years ago has dipped to about RM 300,000. We have to address this downturn and get the fans to fill the stadium and for this to happen we have to play well and produce results. Not only does the FAP need the financial support, likewise the players also need the moral support of the fans," he said.