KUALA LUMPUR: In a stark warning to Malaysian footballers, sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli has urged players not to be lured by high salary offers or empty promises from clubs, given the rising cases of unpaid wages.
With many teams in the Super League and A1 Semi-Pro League facing financial issues, Pekan advised players to be cautious in their club choices, especially when tempted by lucrative pay offers that could come with the risk of delayed or unpaid salaries.
"Footballers must not be blinded by financial offers. Whenever possible, they should select clubs that are financially stable and pose less risk," said Pekan, stressing the importance of thoroughly assessing a club's financial health and ownership before signing a contract.
"Consider the risks. Would you prefer a higher salary with months of unpaid wages, or a lower salary with fewer risks of arrears?" he added.
Despite this advice, Pekan admitted that many players may have limited choices.
"Not all players have the luxury of multiple offers. Often, it's the clubs selecting players, not the other way around, especially for those not in high demand," he said.
The issue of unpaid wages continues to be a concern in Malaysian football.
On Saturday, Timesport reported on allegations of "scammers" among club owners, with one A1 League team reportedly owing salary arrears up to four months.
Responding to these claims, Pekan said not all club owners who fail financially should be deemed "scammers."
"In some cases, these owners genuinely wish to run a football team but lack sufficient funds," said Pekan.
He observed that some owners rely on sponsorships or ticket sales, only to find these sources fall short, leading to financial strain.
"These owners may not be scammers, but people who made commitments they couldn't uphold," Pekan added.