Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif, chairman of the FIB committee, explained that his party, along with the Malaysian Football League (MFL), is ready to cooperate with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after the parent body approved opening investigations into the process of granting licenses to field M League teams.
He mentioned that his party is currently still investigating the case regarding arrears from the Kuala Lumpur City FC team’s Workers’ Savings Money Collection (KWSP), which has been accused of not being paid since February 2023.
“We are still investigating the KL City team’s KWSP arrears case, and developments may occur next week. As far as I know, it is the AFC’s right to investigate to see if the licensing does not comply with the regulations,” said Sheikh Mohd Nasir.
“AFC cannot continue to cancel licenses; they will also conduct an investigation first. What FIB has done is distribute licenses following the regulations. FIB is an independent committee that acts for the MFL, and we will share cooperation.”
“We will definitely announce whatever we do to the AFC. We just want to make sure we complete this investigation first.”
However, Last night, Datuk Seri Windsor John, AFC General Secretary confirmed in a BH Sukan report that his party had opened an investigation regarding the process of granting licenses to M League teams. Windsor explained that his party would contact FAM and MFL to obtain information and hold further discussions regarding the matter.
The issue of arrears in salaries and other payments, including KWSP, holding back a handful of M League teams, has received the attention of many parties, with some questioning how the clubs in question were given licenses.
Kuala Lumpur City was also previously reported to have not paid KWSP payments since February 2023, resulting in a total amount of almost RM719,000. Sheikh Mohd Nasir previously explained that the granting of a license to KL City FC was based on a payment declaration letter issued by KWSP itself.
“However, with the statement made by the club management itself regarding the validity of the documents submitted to the FIB, the FIB will now immediately start investigating this matter,” he said.
Credit Photo : FAM