S'wak United football players in limbo over pay delays

Sarawak United Football Club (SUFC) players are left in dire straits due to alleged payment delays from the SUFC management.

According to a letter sent to the team’s management, dated Aug 7 that was sighted by Malaysiakini, salaries for April, May, June and July this year have not been paid to all players.

Medical, flight claims and match bonuses are also pending, together with payments from the previous football seasons and even accommodation rental payments.

“We, the players of SUFC, respectfully write to you regarding our financial situation and untold hardship placed on us.

“As a group, we are collectively concerned with the constant delays in salary obligations and other financial commitments to the players. We have been reasonable, patient, understanding and above all, hardworking.

“We have been nothing but professional thus far. Despite constant delays, we are committed to giving our very best in training and games considering the constraints on the team.

"However, we have financial obligations and families to look after. As we write this, we are being owed salaries, allowances and claims,” the letter states.

The team added that delayed salary payments violate Clause 3.4 of the contracts of the players, which reads: “The club on a monthly basis, as agreed between the club and the player in accordance with Schedule A, shall pay the players salary on the specified date.”

Malaysiakini understands that the letter was signed by all players of the team and their management had also not made Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions since January 2021.

Yesterday, SUFC president Posa Majais told Stadium Astro that all salary arrears would be settled within two weeks, adding that he regretted the situation.

Posa also said the matter would be resolved after a new allocation from the “Sarawak Premier Party” was approved for the team.

But this contradicts an internal memo dated Aug 7 sent to players and officials, in which he promised salary payments would be made before Aug 20.

“Salaries will be paid before Aug 20, 2022, for all players and officials.

“If this matter is not implemented by the president and management, all players and officials have the right to decide not to play in the next match,” states the memo sighted by Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini has attempted to contact the team’s management for details.

PFAM confirms reports

Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) confirmed several reports made by SUFC players.

In a statement, the association said that it started issuing notices to the club to pay arrears to several complainants on June 14, and a follow-up notice was also given to SUFC on July 8.

“Although we have received a response from the club to settle the salary arrears, until now, the arrears have not been fully cleared.

“Even more regrettable, last June, the players had to face the situation of receiving a notice to vacate their accommodations because the rent payment was not paid by the club.

“The club management should focus on carrying out their responsibilities to avoid heavy punishments imposed on the team,” it said.

PFAM added that it would bring the matter up to Fifa’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) soon.

Fifa ban

This isn’t the first time SUFC has landed in hot water for salary arrears.

In June 2021, International Football Association (Fifa) reportedly slapped SUFC with a player transfer ban after failing to pay former coach Juan Carlos Margo his salary. He was owed RM200,000.

This occurred again last month when the team failed to settle the salary arrears and compensation of its former imported player, Sandro da Silva, amounting to more than RM150,000.

This matter was confirmed to Berita Harian by Sandro’s lawyer, Mohd Zhafri Aminurashid.

RTM to broadcast 41 World Cup 2022 matches

K'tan FC will not compromise with provocative behaviours from Perak fans

Sports minister apologises to national football team's fans

National Stadium to close from tomorrow for pitch restoration