Regan quits S’wak Utd after boss’ no-pay and no-show attitude

PETALING JAYA: Skipper Taylor Regan has had enough of Sarawak United’s off-field shenanigans after leading them to the Super League.

The Australian centreback has terminated his contract with the Borneo club due to the management’s failure to pay salary arrears. It is learnt that he has also reported to FIFA over the financial woes.

He led the team to win promotion to the top division after finishing second in the Premier League this year.

“We have given the Sarawak United boss many opportunities to settle the salary problems throughout the year but he still owes the players and staff four to five months salary plus many promised bonuses during that period,” said the 33-year-old.

“As the captain of the team, I kept the players motivated to produce good results, but my decision to leave is to show everyone that the situation still exists, and this is not fair to the players who have made sacrifices throughout the season.

“We were promised our salaries many months ago but they were never met, and players are now looking for new opportunities elsewhere.”

Regan’s resignation is a blow to the club, who have yet to be granted a full national licence by the Malaysian Football League (MFL).

Sarawak United management was told to submit the payment and proof of settlement on their overdue arrears to the Inland Revenue Board and MFL Club Licensing to get a full licence.

Local Sarawak United players have also highlighted their plight of unpaid wages to the Professional Football Association of Malaysia (PFAM).

“I know other clubs have had problems in the past, but it isn’t always the club’s fault. Sometimes it’s the sponsors,” said Regan.

“But my message is for clubs to be open and honest. We have not seen our boss since March when the problems started. He went missing and that was disappointing.”

But Regan said playing with the club was an experience he would never forget.

“I loved playing for Sarawak. The players were terrific and the group were solid together under coach (E. Elavarasan). We had a lot of fun despite the problems,” he said.

“I’m weighing my options now. Several clubs have made offers, but for now, I want to spend Christmas with my family and rest.”