SHAH ALAM – The verdict to sentence a “Datuk Seri” to seven days in prison sets a significant precedent for football clubs in Malaysia, underlining the imperative of addressing salary payment issues seriously, said Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) chief executive officer, Izham Ismail.
“We from PFAM appreciate the efforts of our lawyers to ensure the rights of players are upheld.
“This landmark decision is also a benchmark for all football clubs in Malaysia not to take the issue of non-payment of players’ salaries lightly.
“This decision by the court is proof that if the teams or owners do not comply, actions like this can be taken against them,” he said at a press conference at the offices of Zarkasya and Co, here today.
Izham added that the decision is also an important milestone in shaping the landscape of Malaysian football.
“The court’s ruling sends a clear message to clubs and owners that serious legal action will befall them if they don’t take the responsibility of paying players their wages seriously.
“This outcome is a testament to the players who stood up for their rights, just like what Ghani and Izer did and the others behind them.
“This is what can happen when you stand up and claim what is rightfully yours,” he added.
Also present at the press conference were lawyer Suhail Rahimi Abdul Razak, PFAM president Safee Sali, vice president Razman Roslan, former Kuantan FA player Abdul Ghani Abd Rahman, and former Marcerra United player Izer Hamkha Mohd Haizal.
Today, lawyers from Zarkasya & Co informed the media that the former owner of Kuantan FA and Marcerra United, a man who carries the title “Datuk Seri, was sentenced for failing to settle outstanding salary payments to players from both clubs totalling RM1.5 million.
An arrest order has been issued by the court today and the police will carry out the arrest soon.
However, the individual can evade imprisonment by settling the outstanding debt. – February 13, 2023