KUALA LUMPUR: The 2024-25 football season in Malaysia is already being marked by severe financial challenges, as the ongoing issue of unpaid salaries casts a dark shadow across clubs in every division.
From the Super League to the lower-tier A1 Semi-Pro League, many clubs are reportedly failing to meet wage obligations, with some delays stretching over four months.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the dramatic rise and fall of a club that initially raised high hopes but quickly faltered.
"At first, everything seemed promising. The owner had pledged funding, and players were signed with a vision for the future.
"However, soon after, salaries stopped being paid, expenses piled up, and now some players have been unpaid for more than four months," said the source, referring to a club in the A1 Semi-Pro League.
"Some players are struggling to make it to training, and others are barely managing to support their families."
However, the Amateur Football League (AFL), which oversees the semi-pro league, said it has yet to receive any formal complaints about salary arrears.
"We conducted a thorough check with the FA of Malaysia (FAM), and so far, no official complaints have been filed," said AFL chief operating officer Raimi Fakri Fuad.
"For us to take action, an official complaint is necessary. Without one, it's difficult to respond to these claims."
Raimi added that the AFL remains committed to addressing any salary-related issues swiftly.
"We encourage any players or club officials genuinely facing salary issues to submit an official complaint, either to AFL or FAM. We take these matters very seriously."