Melaka United FC docked three points over salary arrears

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 -- Melaka United FC have been dealt a blow with the deduction of three points in the 2021 Super League competition following the failure to pay installments of salaries owed to players and officials based on the set schedule.

As a result of the deduction, Zainal Abidin Hassan’s men who were ranked eighth, have moved down to the tenth position with one point.

The decision on the penalty was made during the Malaysian Football League (MFL) Club Licensing First Instance Body (FIB) meeting chaired by Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif via video conferencing.

“Regarding the case involving Melaka United FC, the team had - on the first deadline of Jan 31, 2021 -managed to make the payment of salary arrears to players and officials according to the planned payment schedule.

"However, for the payment by the second deadline, Melaka United FC was found to have failed to respect the payment schedule agreed, and thus imposed with a three-point deduction," read the statement released by MFL today.

The FIB also stressed that further action would be taken against the club if it repeated the offence.

Melaka United FC had been docked three points last season over the same issue.

Meanwhile, FIB said it took note of the efforts and commitment of Sarawak United FC and Kelantan FC in settling the salary arrears of their players and officials.

"The MFL Club Licensing Unit will continue to monitor and ensure that both teams continue to show commitment in addressing this issue and all the arrears are settled," the statement said.

-- BERNAMA