The Kedah football team lost out on a potentially lucrative sponsorship deal from cosmetics company D’Herbs Holding Sdn Bhd.D’Herbs Holdings managing director Aliff Syukri Kamarzaman confirmed this when contacted by Malaysiakini .

“Yes I have cancelled the sponsorship,” Aliff Syukri said, but did not elaborate why.

Malaysiakini earlier reported that the team, dubbed Helang Merah, became the first casualty of the menteri besar crisis, which ended last week with the resignation of MB Mukhriz Mahathir.

Mukhriz resigned citing loss of support, after Kedah Umno deputy chief Ahmad Bashah Md Hanapiah led a coup against him.

Ahmad Bashah was sworn-in as menteri besar last Thursday.

Malaysiakini reported that at least two sponsors, including D’Herbs, are backing out after Mukhriz ( photo ) resigned as MB and state football association’s chairperson.

Aliff Syukri was reported to be in talks with Mukhriz to sponsor the team last month but the discussions were put on hold when the political crisis blew up.

Mukhriz attended a football match on Wednesday, where about 10,000 people showed up to show support to the embattled politician.

Football fans carried placards with his name and lit flares to welcome him at the stadium.

The son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad led the crowd to chant ‘Allahuakbar’ (God is great) and told them he leaves his fate to God.

Read more at Malaysiakini ’s SUKAN section.