KUALA LUMPUR: In light of the salary issues in Malaysian football, Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) president Safee Sali believes that the Malaysian Football League (MFL) should take a cue from the Amateur Football League's (AFL) import regulations.
Safee stressed that MFL should implement strict regulations to avoid future debt issues.
He recommended that clubs only sign foreign players within their budget and provide solid evidence of their financial status.
On Saturday, the AFL board concluded that each team will be allowed two foreign signings for the 2024-2025 M3 League season.
However, signing foreign players comes with strict measures, which include a six-month wage deposit and salary cap. The foreign signings must be between the ages of 18 and 21.
As for the M-League, each team can sign nine foreign players.
"AFL guidelines are good because salaries of foreign players strain clubs. It is a reasonable measure not to burden the clubs.
"MFL must do something to eradicate salary issues in football."
Although Safee does not believe in imposing a salary cap, he suggested other changes to avoid debt issues in the league.
"M-League clubs are allowed to sign nine foreign players, however, they must have the budget to sign that many imports.
"Clubs should provide financial proof and not just sign as many imports to fill the quota.
"MFL should play a part in enforcing rules and regulations," said Safee.
The retired footballer said the domestic football industry should be more open to opinions that are often not heard or considered.
"We advocate for players and aim to improve the league by being transparent.
"When our voices go unheard, it implies that we are not significant stakeholders in the league."
