Six M-League teams in danger of points penalty over players’ unpaid salaries

PETALING JAYA: Six M-League teams are in danger of being docked points for failing to settle their players’ wages.

The Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP), the M-League organisers, said that two Super League and four Premier League teams have yet to settle around RM5mil in salaries as well as income tax and contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

“These six teams have until Friday to settle their outstanding amount. Otherwise, they will be docked points,” said FMLLP chief executive officer Kevin Ramalingam.

He, however, refused to name the six teams.

“The teams have been given ample time. And we have also constantly reminded them about the consequences of not settling the wages.

“We know some teams are facing financial constraints. To help them, we’re willing to accept scheduled payments to the players involved. We want these teams to work on settling their debts.

“There are a few more days to go before the deadline. I hope the teams can solve this problem and update us immediately to avoid sanctions,” said Kevin.

He added that the move to dock points was fully supported by Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the new Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president and FMLLP chairman.

“The Tunku Mahkota Johor views this matter seriously. He has always advocated prudent spending. He is on the same page with us on this issue,” said Kevin.

To date, only one team have been penalised in the M-League history for unpaid pages.

In 2015, the FAM docked Super League side Pahang six points after their former player Mohammed Borji lodged a complaint with FIFA over unpaid salary.