KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat has denied that the issue of salary arrears was the cause of his team's 7-0 aggregate defeat to Terengganu in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
"It's a baseless rumour because our management has promptly settled all arrears. I'm grateful for that," said Khairul Fahmi, a former national goalkeeper.
Khairul Fahmi explained that the Rhinos simply had two bad matches against Terengganu.
Acknowledging that salary concerns had briefly unsettled the squad, Khairul Fahmi stressed that professionalism prevailed on the field, with players giving their utmost effort.
"It did affect us, but we gave our all during matches. Our loss to Terengganu wasn't due to these issues; they outperformed us," said Khairul Fahmi.
Sabah will resume their Super League campaign against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at Likas Stadium on Saturday.
"We're preparing to face a very strong team in JDT. Playing at home, we'll give our best effort," said Khairul Fahmi, urging Sabah fans to turn up and support their team at the stadium.