It is time for clubs to lay their cards on the table.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL) made the call after the government announced that the movement control order (MCO) would be extended to April 14.

Calling it the first phase, FAM secretary-general Stuart Ramalingam (pic) said due to the postponement of the M-League, every club should have a discussion especially with the players on how to get through this difficult period.

“Instead of just giving statements and comments in the media, it is best the management and players sit down and have an open discussion on wages, contract, welfare and other matters, ” he said in a statement.

“At this juncture, FAM are hopeful that clubs, players and officials can find a compromise to reach a win-win situation for everyone.

“Indeed, everyone has their interest to look after, but in this dire situation, everyone has to sacrifice something to come up with an amicable solution for the well-being of our football industry.”

The Super League, Premier League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and Challenge Cup are under the purview of MFL while FAM manage the President Cup, Youth Cup and Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL).

Meanwhile, MFL chief executive officer Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said the discussion between clubs and players do not necessarily mean that players would be told to agree to take a salary cut during the MCO period immediately.“What is happening now is not the fault of MFL or the clubs, who are losing revenue during the postponement period. We have never faced this situation before. I feel that players and officials would understand the situation.

“Those involved need to have the same views to take care of the interest of everyone involved, ” said Ab Ghani.