AFC probe: Errant clubs must be punished regardless of their president - Expert

SHAH ALAM - Errant football clubs must be punished regardless of their influential backers, sports analysts have warned following the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) investigation into the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL).

The AFC is probing allegations of club licensing rule breaches by FAM and MFL, including unpaid wages.

This, in return has triggered calls for stricter enforcement of regulations.

Seasoned journalist Graig Nunis vented his hope that the AFC’S investigation would be a wake-up call for FAM and MFL.

“They (FAM and MFL) must realise they are dealing with livelihoods and should not cater to officials who believe they are bigger than the sport itself.

“The AFC could revoke or suspend Malaysian clubs' eligibility to participate in its competitions, contingent on the severity of the infractions and the degree of responsibility attributed to FAM and MFL for the violations.

“This will have serious implications as our teams will only be 'jaguh kampung'. Without playing higher-level football, how can we improve?

“Paying Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions is non-negotiable.

“Clubs that flout the law must face severe penalties, including licence revocation," Graig told Sinar Daily when contacted.

He called for hefty fines and suspensions for officials who break the law, and urged FAM to collaborate with the EPF to prosecute offenders.

He also added that persistent non-compliance may deter players from signing contracts with financially unstable clubs.

“According to Section 48 (3) of the EPF Act 1991, any employer who deducts contributions from an employee's wage but fails to pay it to the EPF faces up to six years in prison or a fine of up to RM20,000 or both.

“It would be satisfying to see these influential figures held accountable for cheating our players.

"FAM should collaborate with the EPF to ensure offenders are properly punished,” he added.

Graig hoped that the AFC investigation will finally clean up Malaysian football, as players have been misled by officials' empty promises for far too long.

He also highlighted the short-lived careers of footballers and the need for financial literacy programmes.

“People often forget that a footballer's career is short. It typically lasts only 10-12 years at the top level, with only a fortunate few playing longer.

"Most footballers have little to fall back on after they retire.

“I wish for FAM and MFL to mandate financial literacy classes for both clubs and players. While it may be challenging to implement, it would be a valuable starting point,” he added.

Meanwhile, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's academician and sports analyst Afi Rozhesry argued that this issue has tarnished the image of the MFL and, especially, FAM when proper processes were not followed regarding wages and other matters.

He proposed a stringent licensing process that includes budget checks, and suggested learning from other leagues.

“If I am not mistaken, some clubs have not paid their players' wages for almost one or two years.

"If FAM and MFL are found in violation of club licensing regulations, MFL clubs may be prohibited from competing on the Asian stage, as mentioned by AFC’s spokesperson.

“I believe FAM should implement a clear and stringent process to ensure each club has sufficient budget, particularly for paying player salaries, before granting them a licence to compete in the league.

“Perhaps FAM can learn from other football leagues on how they manage their processes and implement a similar system.

"It is unclear why our league struggles with proper budgeting and administration when others succeed,” he said.

Afi also stressed that if this issue persists, the worst-case scenario is that no players will want to play in the MFL, and FAM would be powerless to change that.

“It is like a spreading disease, affecting multiple clubs within the MFL with salary problems and other issues, severely damaging the reputation of Malaysian football.

“Plus, the issue of foreign players' wages, which some clubs overpay has become a trend. Introducing a salary cap should be considered, and FAM needs to revisit this issue,” he added.

On July 24, it was reported that the AFC has initiated an investigation into FAM and MFL for alleged violations of club licensing regulations.

The probe was triggered by concerns over unpaid wages, including instances where Kuala Lumpur City received a club licence despite outstanding EPF contributions.

The investigation could lead to FAM and MFL losing their authority to grant national licences, potentially barring Malaysian teams from international competitions.

AFC Secretary-General Datuk Seri Windsor John reportedly stressed that penalties could follow if violations are confirmed.

Meanwhile, FAM Deputy President Datuk Yusoff Mahadi expressed willingness to cooperate, viewing the investigation as an opportunity for improvement.