KUALA LUMPUR: PIB FC fielded only nine players at the start of their A1 Semi Pro League match against Manjung FC on Saturday (Nov 16), with one more player arriving late to feature in the second half.
The team suffered a 4-0 defeat at USIM Stadium in Nilai and had no substitutes on the bench.
Coach Azrin Mohamed admitted that unpaid wages have taken a toll on the team, with many players unable to attend matches and training regularly.
"I can't force them. Most need other jobs to make ends meet," said Azrin.
"We're using our own money for team expenses, and players struggle even to afford fuel to attend games. It is stressful."
Azrin revealed that players have been allowed to prioritise earning a living over football.
"We gather just two or three days before a match, if at all. This has gone beyond tolerable limits," he said.
PIB FC are seventh in the 15-team league with 25 points from 19 matches.
However, the club's future looks uncertain, with their next game against Gombak on Nov 30 at risk of an even smaller turnout.
Azrin said their management has promised to resolve the issue this month.
"This team weren't meant to be punching bags. We were aiming to qualify for the Malaysia Cup, but unpaid wages have destroyed morale and momentum," he said.
The coach fears the team may not be able to finish the season if player availability continues to dwindle.
"If we're left with just seven or eight players, we won't be able to carry on," he added.