KUALA LUMPUR: KL City captain Paulo Josue has earned admiration from the public for his decision to "open up" on the shame of Malaysian football - unpaid salaries in the M-League.
Many players, fearing retribution and non-renewal of their contracts by clubs, have chosen to suffer in silence, but not Josue. Salary arrears have become a chronic problem in the M-League for many years, but players are "warned" by their clubs to keep quiet for the sake of the sport here.
Recently, the 35-year-old Josue dropped a bombshell when he revealed that he has not been paid his salary by the club for seven months since December 2023.
The Brazilian-born Josue who has become a naturalised player for Malaysia's national team, has also now found himself becoming the voice for those who dare not speak out.
"I spoke out because there are players, masseurs and kit men who earn about RM3,000-4,000, and haven't been paid since January. Their contracts ended last November," said Josue.
"I see them struggling, and they've approached me about it. While (KL City) management has tried to help, it's been difficult for them. I have a voice, so I use it to speak out for them."
Josue's efforts seemed to have their intended effect, as his public statements have attracted media attention and spurred sponsors and others into action.
"I believe it worked because it made the news, which pushed sponsors to pay us. I hope that within the next week or two, the salaries (for those in the KL team) will come through," said Josue after helping KL City to a surprise 1-0 victory over favourites Selangor in the Klang Valley derby at KLFA Stadium on Sunday.
KLFA, with whom Josue is contracted until 2025, has proposed a plan to settle his salary issue, which is pending his response.
Midfielder Josue captured the imagination of Malaysian fans with his exploits for Harima Malaya in the Asian Cup in Qatar in January.
He had a hand in Malaysia's sensational 3-3 draw with mighty South Korea, being the man who passed the ball to Romel Morales to score the stoppage-time equaliser.
And he is a hero with KL fans, having played a key role in the city team's shock 2-0 win over Johor Darul Ta'zim in the 2021 Malaysia Cup final.
Now, Josue has also become a hero for the "voiceless" who go salaryless in the M-League.