FMLLP GET TOUGH

Errant state FAs are docked points for various offences

FOOTBALL Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) mean business. Yesterday, Super League sides Kelantan and T-Team along with Premier League’s Armed Forces and Perlis were each docked six points for failure to submit their confirmation letters over the settlement of salaries and other arrears (Socso) and Employees Provident Fund) from January to November last year.

The errant teams were notified accordingly. They are likely to appeal the decision but FMLLP are expected to stand firm and unlikely to reinstate the six points deducted.

The four teams will also have to serve a transfer ban in the coming mid-season transfer window if they fail to furnish confirmation documents over debt settlements by May 15.

However, these teams can still register new players provided that they earn a revenue from selling members of their current squad when the transfer window opens.

These teams risk getting relegated from their current leagues if they do not settle all debts by Oct 31.

With the points deduction, Kelantan have dropped from fifth to seventh and are just four points above the relegation zone. TTeam are level on points with Kelantan but are eighth on goal difference.

In the Premier League, Armed Forces dropped from ninth to 11th with only four points while bottom side Perlis saw their six points earned so far deducted completely.

FMLLP chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam said these teams were sent reminders to provide supporting documents over settlement of players’ salaries and contributions to EPF, income tax and Socso on Jan 27 and March 7.

“In our second reminder (March 7) to clubs, they were informed that the deadline for settlement was on March 31. The rules and procedures were presented during the M-League briefing to representatives from clubs last December,” said Kevin yesterday.

“The six points deduction is fair. The four teams need to submit their intention to appeal within 72 hours. They are our stakeholders and we will work with them to solve the problem.

“Our board will consider their appeals but I believe stern action is necessary as a deterrent. One of the concerned teams have not even settle accumulative debts from 2015 and also have a case with Fifa.

“The minimum punishment for this case is at least three points but we decided on six points as we want these teams to feel the full effect of not complying to rules.”

Kevin said FMLLP cannot act on rumours of unpaid salaries through statements from players on social media.

“Some may argue that other teams also owe salaries but we cannot act if there is no complaint. I urge these players to refer to the

FA of Malaysia or Fifa (for foreign players) and from there, we can act if the teams are found guilty.”

Kevin believes the introduction of club licensing will resolve the issue of teams having debts.

“All Super League must comply to club licensing by October this year. Under a club licence, teams have to meet financial and budget requirements and also provide their estimate future expenditure.

“However, if there are still issues in the era of club licensing then we will use other remedies to overcome the problem.”