THE Kedah state government cannot arbitrarily channel funds or allocations to settle salaries of players representing the state team in the M-League.

It is said that the Kedah FA (KFA) have not paid their players for the last five months.

Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said although certain quarters had suggested for the state government to assist KFA, its main priority was to help the people of the state.

“Some have suggested to just take money from anywhere to solve this problem, but I will not do that. That is money for the needy.

“I know that Kedah fans are concerned about the fate of the players but this issue has been around for a long time.

“At that time, no one spoke about it, but now when I have just taken over as KFA president, everyone is complaining,” he said yesterday.

Sanusi was appointed as KFA president during the association’s extraordinary general meeting on July 12.

According to Sanusi, KFA’s arrears issue did not only involve players’ salaries, but the Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and team’s transport ticket providers.

Sanusi claimed that the problem had begun under the previous management and that the current debt amount stood at RM10.6 million.

“Why sign players with salaries of up to RM120,000? All this was done without considering the association’s financial capabilities.

“The mistakes were done previously. Do the fans want me to take the money meant for the poor, orphans and single mothers, and channel it to the players?” he said.

However, Sanusi said KFA would be holding a meeting on Aug 3 to find a solution to the crisis, as well as to re-evaluate the implementation of several matters under the previous management.

“If I need to do an ‘overhaul’ or make salary deductions, I will do it.

“If we can only afford to pay RM20,000 to a player, then we will pay only that.

“If anyone thinks they should get a higher salary, KFA will allow them to look for a better destination, financially,” he added