KUALA LUMPUR: The 2021 M-League season has not even started, and Melaka United could face a registration ban in the next transfer window (mid-season) for failing to settle the dues of their former player, Narupon Wild.
The Super League side have lapsed their 45-day period (which commenced on Nov 12) after Fifa ordered them to pay the Thai defender RM241,726.69.
Narupon, fondly known as Nazza, is back home in Thailand and is eagerly awaiting the payment.
"We received a response from Fifa, and they acknowledged Melaka have not complied with their financial obligations following the world body's decision," said Narupon.
"In this regard, the DRC (Fifa's Dispute Resolution Chambers) judge pointed out that the consequence of it may lead to a registering ban until the full amount is paid.
"Under Point 6 of the decision, the debtor's member association (FA of Malaysia) are requested to implement the ban at the beginning of the registration period."
Fifa also highlighted the 30 per cent salary deduction imposed on Melaka players during the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
"It could not be clearly established that the club had tried to negotiate the unilateral variation with the player in good faith. From the information on the file, the club unilaterally decided to suspend the contract of the player and impose a salary reduction of 30 per cent.
"The document, dated April 20, submitted together with the club's reply, clearly mentions that no agreement was reached with the player for the reduction of his salary."
Fifa also stated that Melaka failed to provide evidence of insurance coverage.
"The DRC judge pointed out that the sum the club had paid after the suspension and/or termination was for outstanding remuneration due as per contract."
Last July, the defender had parted ways with Melaka over salary issues.
At the time, the 31-year-old said he was left mentally and emotionally affected as he had never been in a situation whereby he was financially unstable.
He was also forced to use his own money to stay in the country.
Narupon's wife was then pregnant, and the stressful conditions threatened the health of their unborn child.
It is believed his contract ran between Feb 7 and Nov 30, 2020.
"Clubs should not put players in these types of situations because it shows a big disregard for people's lives and well-being".