KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian footballers are not keen to play in leagues in Thailand because of unattractive offers.
This was disclosed by MVP Sports Agency Talent Director, Hafizan Halim who said the salaries offered by Thai clubs range from US$3,000 (RM12,000) to US$5,000 (RM20,000) per month.
He said this is 40 to 50 per cent lesser than the amounts earned by local players in the M-League, which is one of the highest paying leagues in Southeast Asia.
Hafizan made the explanation following the claims that Malaysian players are not good enough to feature in the Thai leagues.
"There have been several offers from Thai clubs for Malaysian players, especially for those who played in the Sea Games, but the offers don't meet their expectations."
"It's not a question of Malaysian players being choosy but the thing is they can get much better pay from the local teams.”
“So, I'd like to deny the claims that our players have no quality or are not keen to play outside. They do not want to because of factors such as this.
"I think many people don't understand this. For example, if you are offered work overseas but at the same time, you are earning more in Malaysia, of course you would choose to stay in your own country," said Hafizan.
Earlier, six young national players, Adam Nor Azlin, Adib Zainudin, Syamer Kutty Abbad, Nor Azam Azih, Jafri Firdaus Chew and N Thanabalan, were reported to be approached by Thai clubs following stellar performances in August's Sea Games.
Translated from Berita Harian