This will see EWPC provide the club with movement analysis, musculoskeletal screening, body composition assessments and multi-modal recovery treatments like cryotherapy.

These services fall under its “diagnose, detox, repair and rejuvenate” system, which aims to alleviate inflammation, curb long-term injuries and tackle overall fatigue among athletes.

The agreement was signed in Kota Kinabalu by Sabah FC general manager Joh Haji Wid and European Wellness Biomedical Group’s founder and chairman, Mike Chan.

Joh said this was an important partnership for Sabah FC as it was crucial that the club’s players were always in top condition, adding that this was a need that the club has long struggled to meet on its own.

“We didn’t have the budget for hyperbaric systems or advanced equipment. But we had faith, and a partner who believed in Sabah FC.

“We welcome European Wellness as an important partner in our push for higher performance. This validates our aim to be among the best in Malaysia, not only in competition but also in sports science,” he said, in a press release.

Joh added that this partnership was part of a long-term roadmap for the squad, which would not only boost the club but even set a new standard for Malaysia’s football development.

Chan said the centre will focus on therapies that would bolster the heart, lungs, adrenal system and cognitive function of players, adding that these are key to their stamina, endurance and focus on the pitch.

He said the demands of football in this day and age required not just skill but consistent physical resilience.

“It’s not just stamina – endurance matters. These treatments are also designed to help players run faster in the second half, stay strong through extra time, and maintain performance on the field when it counts the most.

“Anything related to health, performance or well-being – we are ready to collaborate. We want to support the technical team in a way that shows results on the pitch.

“European Wellness will work closely with the coaching staff to monitor recovery cycles, manage training loads and support long-term player health,” said Chan.

European Wellness has more than 40 centres across the world, including in Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Uganda.

In collaboration with American sports agent Leigh Steinberg, Chan co-authored a book on concussion, while two more on sports medicine and athlete recovery will follow.

He has also been invited to speak during the NFL Super Bowl Week in the US on Feb 7, with more than 148 million viewers expected.