Penang: The Penang state government remains committed to supporting the Football Association of Penang (FAP) as a platform for the development of local players, despite it facing financial constraints in the Super League competition. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen emphasized the crucial role of financial resources in modern football, which enables teams to acquire quality players and build competitive squads.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gooi pointed out that the FAP is among the Super League clubs with the fewest number of foreign players, aligning with its goal of providing more opportunities to local talent. To bolster their squad for the upcoming stage of the Super League competition, FAP has recruited two foreign players-Brazilian midfielder Erick Brendon and Filipino defender Amirul Kamil Jaser-during the mid-season transfer window.

Gooi highlighted that FAP has collaborated with the private sector, including local industries, to establish a sustainable football ecosystem, with sponsorship from local business entity Mat Salleh Bubble. During the press conference, he reiterated the state government's commitment to grassroots football development, noting the contribution of RM100,000 to FAP since September 2024. Additionally, the state government approved writing off the outstanding Penang City Stadium rental arrears from 1998 to 2016, which amounted to RM127,168.50 and was owed by FAP.