14 Jan Remind is all FAM can do

REMINDERS have been sent to state FA and clubs who have not insured their
players for the ongoing season to do so and that is about all the FA of
Malaysia can do.

There is nothing in the FAM statutes making it compulsory for teams to
insure their players as it is only mentioned in the national body's
competition regulations.
 
Only five of the 28 teams competing in the Malaysian Super League and
Premier League have undertaken insurance coverage, leaving almost 400
players wondering what their fate would be if they are injured during a
match.

FAM general secretary Lt Jen (R) Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, when contacted,
confirmed that only some teams have fulfilled the insurance requirement.

"On our part, we have written to the teams reminding them of their
responsibility towards the players," said Azzuddin yesterday.

"That is all that we can do. We also warned the teams that if something
untoward happens, it will be their responsibility."

Though not a rule, this was not a problem in previous seasons as FAM
would pay the RM75,000 premium and deduct the amount from the annual
grant.

However, as the annual grant for state FAs is now RM350,000 from a high
of RM1 million and RM200,000 for clubs, FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah
felt it would be better if teams were allowed to source for their own
insurers.

Unfortunately, most chose not to and some have even said the total
grant is being used to finance their MSL and Premier League campaigns.

In the meantime, players are wondering just what it will take for them
to be accorded security.

"I only came to know that no insurance was taken through newspaper
reports and I am shocked," said a player who declined to be identified.

"I wonder what will happen if a player has to undergo surgery or
require medical treatment. Who will pay?

"I don't think this is the right way for employers to treat us as these
are minor benefits we enjoy as players. I really hope that FAM sorts this
out."

That is highly unlikely.