KUALA LUMPUR: Footballers and clubs will soon be able to get quicker responses to disputes when FIFA’s National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC) is activated in Malaysia next month.
The NDRC is an arbitration tribunal, based on the principle of equal representation of clubs and players. It is to offer players and clubs an efficient and affordable mechanism to handle disputes regarding employment and contractual stability as well as those concerning training compensation and solidarity contributions.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary general Stuart Ramalingam said the national body are currently waiting for nominations from the Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to be part of NDRC.
“The establishment of NDRC means that both foreign and local players will have access to a grievance procedure that sees disputes resolved in accordance with FIFA regulations.
“The initiative was approved in FAM’s executive committee meeting in December. PFAM and MFL will be represented by between three and five officials each. Both bodies need to nominate their officials by the end of the month.
FAM’s move to establish the NDRC will fast-track cases and disputes especially involving salaries and contracts. It was reported that there are still 262 cases still pending with the national body.
“MFL played a big role in the move to introduce the NDRC. The national body cannot solve all cases by its own, so the establishment of NDRC will ease matters,” said the 41-year-old.
Stuart also touched on the fate of former Terengganu City FC (TCFC) players who have not been paid their salaries for the 2018 season. It is said that the club owe a total of RM1 million to the players.
“We will make a statement soon,” Stuart added.
On Monday, TCFC said they will only settle salary arrears if the national body assist them in getting back their Premier League spot after winning the FAM Cup last season. The club were kicked out for failing to settle arrears.