After enduring a six-year wait, 18 former Terengganu City FC players have finally received justice and financial relief through the FIFA Fund for Football Players (FIFA FFP).
This initiative, established by FIFA in collaboration with FIFPro, aims to support players worldwide who face unpaid wages due to financial instability within their clubs.
The players, who had struggled with salary arrears dating back to 2018, can now breathe a collective sigh of relief. Terengganu City FC, also known as The Sharks, had been plagued by severe financial issues that left players and staff unpaid. The situation culminated in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) barring the club from competing in the 2019 Premier League season.
This resolution highlights the persistent efforts of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Malaysia (PFAM) in championing players’ rights. Through collaboration with FIFPro and FIFA, PFAM ensured that these players received the payments they were owed, restoring hope to those impacted.
Midfielder Syazreen Suhaimi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the settlement:
“First of all, we are grateful to Allah SWT for giving us sustenance. Thank you to PFAM, FIFPro, and FIFA for resolving our salary arrears issue. Although it took time, I really appreciate the efforts of all parties in ensuring our rights are fulfilled. Alhamdulillah, our wait since 2018 is finally over. Hopefully, PFAM continues to progress in looking after the welfare of football players.”
Former national striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan echoed similar sentiments, commending PFAM’s commitment to defending players’ rights:
“I would like to say a million thanks to PFAM for their efforts in helping me and other players get our rights. After six years of waiting, I finally received this payment through the FIFA Fund for Football Players. PFAM’s commitment proves that footballers are not alone in facing challenges like this.”
PFAM Chief Executive Officer Izham Ismail hailed the initiative as a testament to FIFA and FIFPro’s dedication to protecting players’ welfare globally.
“We at PFAM will continue to work hard to ensure the welfare of Malaysian footballers is safeguarded. FIFPro’s role in this initiative is enormous, and we are proud to be part of the global family that defends players’ rights.”
Izham also emphasized the importance of Malaysian clubs taking their responsibilities seriously, including ensuring timely salary payments:
“We hope this serves as a reminder for clubs in Malaysia to prioritize the welfare of players, including adhering to their salary obligations. Players dedicate themselves to the sport, and they deserve fair treatment.”
This resolution marks a significant victory for professional footballers in Malaysia, demonstrating that persistent efforts and international collaboration can lead to justice. The case also serves as a cautionary tale for Malaysian clubs to uphold professional standards in managing their players’ welfare.
Through the FIFA FFP initiative, the affected players not only received their rightful dues but also renewed hope that football’s governing bodies are committed to addressing such injustices.
Credit Photo : Terengganu City
