The clock is ticking for Super League teams Melaka United and Sarawak United as they face punishment if they fail to settle their players' wages.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL), in denying that they are giving errant teams preferential treatment, have put in place, actions against them.
Both Melaka and Sarawak have until Jan 31 to settle salaries owing to players last season or face a transfer ban by Feb 1. They will have another 14 days to pay up, failing which it will result in point deductions.
MFL Chief Executive Officer Stuart Ramalingam said they are working closely with the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) to resolve the unpaid wage issue.
To further improve the monitoring of M-League teams' finances, he said MFL will add new rules that require teams to submit their financial statutory declaration by Sept 30 instead of the June 31 deadline.
"We had docked Melaka league points in the last two seasons, so there's no favouritism from MFL. There are 22 teams, and only three teams have issues with wages," said Stuart yesterday.
"Perak had a change in ownership and they are sorting out the wage arrears. Sarawak had issues with 39 players and 15 of them are settled.
"PFAM are in the initial stage of discussion with Melaka to solve their issue. As for us, we only accept receipt of payment and mutual agreement between the team and players as proof of solution."
Stuart said the 2022 M-League will start with the Charity Shield between Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim and Malaysia Cup winners Kuala Lumpur City at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Feb 26.
MFL announced that the FA Cup will make a return after being cancelled for the last two years due to Covid-19.
MFL also proposed for M-League matches to kick off at 8.15pm and 9pm in the peninsula, and 7.30pm and 8.15pm in Sarawak and Sabah.
"We hope the new kick-off time will add to commercialisation for the teams and add to match day revenues," said Stuart.
"The time change will enable more fans, including children, to attend matches at the stadiums."