FAM slam PFAM for inaccurate statements over unpaid wages

PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have slammed the Professional Football Players Association of Malaysia (PFAM) for hitting out at the M-League teams over players unpaid salaries.

On Sunday,PFAM alleged that teams owed players around RM6.4mil,excluding the statutory deductions like income tax,Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso) and said they were disappointed with the teams’ lackadaisical attitude.

PFAM also claimed that Melaka,Kelantan,Negri Sembilan and Pahang had kept quiet over the issue while Armed Forces,Police and Felda United have not kept their promise to pay up in stages.

The players from the defunct teams like Perlis,Terengganu City FC,Hanelang,Kuantan FA and Marcerra United have also not paid their dues.

FAM secretary general Stuart Ramalingam said PFAM’s statements were inaccurate and unprofessional.

“Our records show that Negri Sembilan have no pending cases with both FAM and FIFA. Pahang had a case with FIFA and it has been settled.

“Melaka have three cases that await decision,one with FAM and two with FIFA,” said Stuart.

“Perlis and Kelantan are under new managements and are trying to steady their finances. As for the defunct teams,we at FAM have no jurisdiction anymore and according to FIFA we can only take action if these teams are revived.”

“I would advise the players from the defunct teams to go ahead with a civil suit against their teams.”

Stuart added that they admire PFAM’s efforts in looking after their members but their statement would not help resolve the situation.

“Such statements will only make things worse for teams that do not outstanding cases,or those who are proactive in trying to settle their arrears,” he said.

“The national body will not hesitate to review our partnership with PFAM if the efforts by the teams,state FAs and FAM are not taken positively by PFAM.”