Annuar hits back at Kelantan’s critics
KELANTAN’S failure to settle wages of former players has reached boiling point as they now question the club’s decision to get new imports for the current season.
FIFPro, a global network of player associations, want the FA of Malaysia (FAM) and Football Malaysia LLP (FMLLP) to settle the club’s dues to the players immediately.
Former players Jonathan McKain and Baze Ilijoski have criticised Kelantan on their Twitter accounts for owing them salaries.
They also questioned the authorities for allowing Kafa to hire new foreign players. McKain has filed a complaint against Kafa to Fifa and investigations are ongoing.
Kelantan were recently docked six points for not settling their debts, and payments to Income Tax, Socso and Employees Provident Fund.
The club recently signed Lebanese midfielder Abou Bakar Al Mel as a replacement for striker Mohammed Ghaddar, who was sold to Darul Ta'zim for RM2 million.
Kelantan FA (Kafa) adviser Tan Sri Annuar Musa lambasted those who criticised the club.
“They make misleading claims about the club without checking the facts first. They claim they are professionals... but they are acting rather unprofessionally,” said Annuar on his Facebook account on Saturday.
Annuar was indirectly responding to the claims by McKain and Ilijoski on their Twitter accounts.
“Replacing players with new ones does not mean added costs especially when the club have special arrangements with agents and other concerned parties.
“It is a norm for clubs to replace players... a move to help the club improve. We are doing this within our budget,” Annuar said. “Please shut up if you have never managed a professional team or have never been in a position to raise funds for the club to pay players.
“We have been patient with some who go on social media and make misleading statements. It is against the terms of their contracts.”