By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 24: Sarawak may soon enter into a strategic sports collaboration with Spanish football powerhouse FC Barcelona following high-level discussions during a recent official visit to Spain.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah revealed that the top management of FC Barcelona had expressed interest in working with Sarawak.
“They want collaboration and are looking at having some kind of memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be signed, maybe by March this year if possible.
“They are prepared to come over to assist, not just in soccer but in other sports,” he said during a dinner programme last night (Jan 23). An audio recording of his speech was later shared with DayakDaily.
He added that the matter had already been briefed to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for further consideration.
Abdul Karim also said Barcelona and Sarawak shared similarities as among the wealthiest states or regions in their respective countries.
He noted that leaders in Barcelona were well informed about Sarawak, reflecting the State’s growing international recognition.
“I was very, very surprised that they know quite a lot about Sarawak. They must have done a lot of research,” he said, adding that the Sarawak delegation met with three ministers during the visit.
He described the hospitality received as unexpected and meaningful, including a minister who personally visited their hotel to have breakfast with the delegation.
“We were very honoured. We didn’t expect that kind of hospitality and outlook towards us when we were there in Barcelona.
“This reflects how the global leaders look at Sarawak now. If we have not been able to push ourselves globally, we will not be given that kind of opportunity,” he emphasised.
Previously, on Nov 1, 2025, Abdul Karim was reported to have led a Sarawak delegation on a technical visit to FC Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain, to learn how the region integrates sports, culture and tourism into one ecosystem. — DayakDaily
