PBNP to appeal FIFA's decision on paying RM4.9 mln to Sumareh

Former Pahang manager Datuk Mohammed Suffian Awang confirmed that the letter of claim amounting to USD1.2 million (about RM4.9 million) was received by the association on Tuesday, and said that the association would hand over the matter to its lawyers for further action.

Mohammed Suffian, who is currently the chief executive officer of Sri Pahang FC - the rebranded version of the club - said advice would also be sought from international legal experts over the matter.

"Yes, the decision (from FIFA) is received, but we want justification on how the amount (directed to be paid) was achieved.

"This matter will be left to the lawyers to evaluate all remedies or appropriate measures within 10 days (of receiving the decision) for us to appeal to FIFA, so PBNP does not rule out the possibility of hiring international lawyers to assist in this case," he told Bernama today.

The local media today reported that FIFA has ordered PBNP to pay about RM4.9 million to Sumareh - the country's first naturalised player - following an issue over salary arrears last season.

Sumareh had previously terminated his contract signed with Pahang until 2022, and filed an official complaint to FIFA after claiming that there was incompetence with regard to the payment of salaries while he was with the Tok Gajah squad last season.

However, Mohammed Suffian said FIFA had never called PBNP to record its statement over the matter.

"FIFA's judgment is one-sided, or ex-parte," he said.