FARAH AZHARIE
LESS than 24 hours after securing promotion to the Super League, Penang found themselves back in the Premier League after being docked six points by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) due to a decision by Fifa.
This came after a complaint filed by former Penang defender Reinaldo Lobo to Fifa over salary claims.
Penang edged Police 2-1 at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday to claim the second Super League promotion ticket on goal difference as both teams finished with 30 points.
Following the Fifa decision, Police will join Sabah in the Super League next season.
Brazil-born Lobo played for Penang for three seasons (2015-17). On March 25, Fifa instructed the FA of Penang (FAP) to pay Lobo US$90,000 (RM370,398) with interest of five per cent and a US$10,000 (RM41,155) fine within 30 days.
The world body warned FAP if they fail to settle the claims and fine, they would be docked six points.
On April 17, FAP deposited US$92,597.72 (RM386,391.77) into Lobo’s account with the exchange rate as stipulated on his contract. However, it was soon discovered that FAP still owed Lobo US$4,444.11 (RM18,277) as Fifa used the current exchange rate as a reference point.
On June 28, Fifa instructed FAM to deduct six points from Penang by July 3 for not adhering to the 30-day deadline in settling Lobo’s claims. In turn, FAM appealed by stating the confusion over the monetary exchange rate.
On July 1, Lobo’s lawyer informed Fifa that the player will notify them once the full payment is received. Due to the delay in money transfer from Malaysia into Lobo’s account in Brazil, FAM sent a second appeal to Fifa on July 4, asking the world body to reconsider the punishment as payment was already made in full.
After six days, Lobo’s lawyer officially informed Fifa that full payment had been received and urged them to drop disciplinary action against FAP.
However, Fifa stood their ground and told FAM to deduct the six points from Penang’s Premier League team by today despite a third appeal from FAM.
FAM adhered to the ruling and docked three points from Penang yesterday.
“We sympathise with FAP because their new management took the necessary steps to settle the arrears, totalling US$97,085.05 (RM399,556). The new management has been very proactive in settling debts,” said FAM general-secretary Stuart Ramalingam yesterday.
Penang coach Manzoor Azwira Wahid was saddened by the decision as his team did well in the second half of the season to earn the promotion spot.
“It is beyond our control, and we have to accept it. Of course, the management along with the players and fans are very upset.
“I hope everyone will forget about this episode and fight on in the Malaysia Cup. We want to do well and go far in the Malaysia Cup to give something back to our loyal fans,” he added.