KUALA LUMPUR: Many long suffering M-League players and coaches have got their money at last.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) have come in to help those affected with a close to RM2.6 million payout in backdated salaries.
The players and coaches involved in FAM’s second financial disbursement were from Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Terengganu City, MOF, Police and Felcra.
The money was paid to the Police players on Feb 19 whereas Felcra, MOF and KL City Hall players got theirs on March 5. Terengganu City’s debt was settled earlier today (Thursday).
FAM secretary general, Stuart Ramalingam, said earlier today (Thursday) that most of the affected clubs and teams have done their part in helping the national football governing body solve the debt issues.
He said the clubs have been helpful in their communication with FAM, the legal and finance departments and being upfront about the debts.
Stuart said FAM’s third disbursement of RM1.3 million will be made to the affected players and coaches of Felda United, Hanelang and Marcerra United.
However, Stuart warned certain clubs to take responsibility and be accountable for their actions which have left many players and coaches jobless.
“There are still clubs who are irresponsible, who are still not taking instructions from FAM seriously.
“For these clubs, we stress again that the problems are not just going to disappear but they will lead to further actions from FAM.”
Stuart is optimistic FAM will eradicate the salary arrears problem in the future with everyone working together.
The M-League’s image has been marred by 15 clubs who ran up a total of RM13 million in salary arrears. Eighty per cent of them have ceased operation.