SHAH ALAM: M-League clubs and Football Malaysia LPP (FMLLP) should hold talks to resolve their differences over the RM9 million fines handed to 10 teams for late or incomplete submission of registration document.
Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) president Rezal Zambery Yahya said the issue needs to be resolved quickly to safeguard the relationship between M-League organisers and the clubs.
This follows criticism of FMLLP's decision on Tuesday to hand out the heavy fines with Kuala Lumpur, PKNS and the Malaysian Indian FA (MIFA) saying the fines could cripple their teams.
"We don't want to interfere in the affairs of FMLLP and the clubs and football associations especially with regard to the rules and regulations," said Rezal during a PFAM event to introduce sponsors in Shah Alam on Thursday.
"I think everyone is well aware of the rules in place even before the season began. The teams now know where they made mistakes and we hope they take this opportunity to rectify the errors.
"They can also appeal against the punishment given, and it would be better for FMLPP and the clubs to hold a discussion to resolve the matter."
Super League teams KL, Selangor, PKNS and Kelantan were all fined RM1.5 million each while Premier League sides Kuantan, MIFA, Penang, Police, Sarawak and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia have to pay RM500,000 each.
Rezal also welcomed a suggestion by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) that players who step forward to report being approached to fix a match should be rewarded.
"It's a good suggestion," said Rezal. "MACC looks to be really determined to tackle the issue of match-fixing.
"Players need to be brave in coming forward to provide information if they are approached by bookies. They now have a platform in which they can lodge a report.
"PFAM always support any effort by law enforcement authorities and football associations to prevent match-fixing activities."