Latest news with #FIB
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Super League clubs to face bi-monthly financial checks
KUALA LUMPUR: Super League clubs will be monitored every two months throughout the 2025-2026 season to ensure they comply with the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The MFL's FFP Unit will carry out five reviews in total, with clubs required to submit reports on income, expenditure, salary declarations and statutory contributions for each two-month period. The first deadline is on Oct 16, covering August and September. Chairman of the independent First Instance Body (FIB) Sheikh Nasir Sheikh Sharif said any arrears would be referred to the FIB for action under Articles 10 and 14(1)(B), with penalties possible for breaches. He confirmed all Super League clubs had already submitted their budget and pre-season documents for 2025-2026, which include budgets, sponsors' letters of agreement, and lists of players, officials and staff with details of salaries and contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and the Social Security Organisation (SOCSO). A declaration of arrears as of June 2025 was also lodged in line with FFP regulations under Articles 9(1) and 10(1), before verification by the FFP Unit. "FIB is responsible for reviewing and assessing the documents to ensure clubs adhere to sustainable financial management principles in line with MFL's FFP criteria. "The submissions allow MFL to determine the total budget to be used for salary and contribution payments based on the salary cap of 80 per cent," Sheikh Nasir said. The documents will be assessed under the 2025-2026 FFP regulations, with breaches subject to sanction. – BERNAMA
The Sun
21 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Super League clubs comply with FFP regulations for 2025-2026 season
KUALA LUMPUR: All Super League clubs have submitted their budget and pre-season documents for the 2025-2026 season as required by the Malaysian Football League's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. Sheikh Mohd Nasir Sheikh Mohd Sharif, chairman of the independent First Instance Body (FIB), confirmed the compliance. The submitted documents include budgets, sponsor agreements, player and staff lists, salary details, and contributions to EPF, LHDN, and SOCSO. Clubs also provided arrears declarations as of June 2025 under FFP Articles 9(1) and 10(1) before verification by the MFL's FFP Unit. Sheikh Mohd Nasir stated that the FIB will review the submissions to ensure adherence to sustainable financial management. The MFL will use the data to determine salary budgets, capped at 80 per cent of total expenses. The FFP Unit will conduct five monitoring sessions during the 2025-2026 season. Clubs must submit income, expenditure, salary, and contribution reports every two months. The first review deadline is October 16, covering August and September reports. Any arrears will be escalated to the FIB for action under Articles 10 and 14(1)(B). Violations may result in penalties as per the 2025-2026 FFP regulations. - Bernama
1News
6 days ago
- Business
- 1News
Former A-League champions stripped on licence
Defiant Western United have vowed to fight the stripping of their A-Leagues licence as the embattled club stands on the brink of folding. Football Australia on Friday confirmed United would have their licence withdrawn as the current ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain it. The news, which leaves players and staff in limbo, comes just three years after United's first A-League Men championship. United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed. United, based in Tarneit, in Melbourne's western suburbs, have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic. ADVERTISEMENT That ban meant new signing Jaiden Kucharski and captain Ben Garuccio could not be registered in time to play in United's Australia Cup round of 32 loss to Sydney FC. The club, led by chairman Jason Sourasis, had hoped their issues would be solved by a planned takeover by American group KAM Sports, which was announced in May - but that is yet to be completed. Football Australia's First Instance Board (FIB), an independent body responsible for club licensing, met on Thursday. A Football Australia (FA) spokesperson said the FIB had: "determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license. "As such Western United FC's license has been withdrawn, effective immediately. "Western United FC can appeal this decision to the Appeals Body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations. "This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia's ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders." ADVERTISEMENT United responded on Friday, confirming they would immediately appeal the decision. Western United Football Club is bitterly disappointed by today's decision by Football Australia and the FIB and will be exercising its right to appeal immediately, with confidence of a positive outcome. "Western United Football Club is bitterly disappointed by the decision taken by Football Australia (FA) and the First Instance Body (FIB) today," United said in a statement. "The club will be exercising its right to appeal the decision immediately, with confidence of a positive outcome as the sale of the club and injection of capital from KAM Melbourne continues to progress. "We wish to assure every single member, supporter and the broader Australian football public that we will fight for our club with the same spirit, belief and resilience that has defined us from the very beginning. "We will continue to stand together as we have done in the face of adversity in the past, and we will exhaust every avenue to continue being able to represent our community with pride. "As this is a regulatory process, the club will be making no further comment at this time." ADVERTISEMENT Championship-winning coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi signed a new two-year deal in July. It is also unclear what the decision means for players, who are receiving support from the players' union, Professional Footballers (the PFA). United's men's players are in pre-season while it is the off-season for ALW players. "We have communicated directly with all players affected by this decision and will continue to do so as this matter progresses," a PFA spokesperson said in a statement. United have experienced a turbulent existence since they were granted an expansion licence in 2018 - beating several other bids - and entered the league ahead of the 2019-20 season. Their bid was successful largely based on Western Melbourne Group's commitment to build a purpose-built stadium in Tarneit. That project was delayed by several years, with the club playing games in Geelong, Ballarat, Footscray and Tasmania, before a far smaller training ground, Ironbark Fields, was constructed. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the setbacks, Aloisi was able to lead the club to their first ALM championship in 2021-22 while the ALW team reached the grand final in their inaugural season the following year. "We've been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United's conditional licence," APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said in a statement. "This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won't comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed."
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
Battling A-Leagues club stripped of licence
Western United have been stripped of their A-Leagues licence, leaving the embattled club on the brink of folding and players and staff in limbo. Just three years after their first A-League Men championship, United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed. United, based in Tarneit, in Melbourne's western suburbs, have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic. That ban meant new signing Jaiden Kucharski and captain Ben Garuccio could not be registered in time to play in United's Australia Cup round of 32 loss to Sydney FC. The club, led by chairman Jason Sourasis, had hoped their issues would be solved by a planned takeover by American group KAM Sports, which was announced in May - but that is yet to be completed. It meant the club's current ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and they now have seven days to appeal the decision. Football Australia's First Instance Board (FIB), an independent body responsible for club licensing, met on Thursday. A Football Australia (FA) spokesperson said the FIB had: "determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license. "As such Western United FC's license has been withdrawn, effective immediately. "Western United FC can appeal this decision to the Appeals Body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations. "This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia's ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders." Championship-winning coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi signed a new two-year deal in July, while it is also unclear what the decision means for players, who are receiving support from the players' union, Professional Footballers (the PFA). United's men's players are in pre-season while it is the off-season for ALW players. "The PFA was advised by both Football Australia and APL of the FIB's decision to withdraw Western United's A-League licence," a PFA spokesperson said in a statement."We have communicated directly with all players affected by this decision and will continue to do so as this matter progresses." United have experienced a turbulent existence since they were granted an expansion licence in 2018 - beating several other bids - and entered the league ahead of the 2019-20 season. Their bid was successful largely based on Western Melbourne Group's commitment to build a purpose-built stadium in Tarneit. That project was delayed by several years, with the club playing games in Geelong, Ballarat, Footscray and Tasmania, before a far smaller training ground, Ironbark Fields, was constructed. Despite the setbacks, Aloisi was able to lead the club to their first ALM championship in 2021-22 while the ALW team reached the grand final in their inaugural season the following year. "We've been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United's conditional licence," APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said in a statement. "This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won't comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed." Western United have been stripped of their A-Leagues licence, leaving the embattled club on the brink of folding and players and staff in limbo. Just three years after their first A-League Men championship, United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed. United, based in Tarneit, in Melbourne's western suburbs, have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic. That ban meant new signing Jaiden Kucharski and captain Ben Garuccio could not be registered in time to play in United's Australia Cup round of 32 loss to Sydney FC. The club, led by chairman Jason Sourasis, had hoped their issues would be solved by a planned takeover by American group KAM Sports, which was announced in May - but that is yet to be completed. It meant the club's current ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and they now have seven days to appeal the decision. Football Australia's First Instance Board (FIB), an independent body responsible for club licensing, met on Thursday. A Football Australia (FA) spokesperson said the FIB had: "determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license. "As such Western United FC's license has been withdrawn, effective immediately. "Western United FC can appeal this decision to the Appeals Body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations. "This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia's ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders." Championship-winning coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi signed a new two-year deal in July, while it is also unclear what the decision means for players, who are receiving support from the players' union, Professional Footballers (the PFA). United's men's players are in pre-season while it is the off-season for ALW players. "The PFA was advised by both Football Australia and APL of the FIB's decision to withdraw Western United's A-League licence," a PFA spokesperson said in a statement."We have communicated directly with all players affected by this decision and will continue to do so as this matter progresses." United have experienced a turbulent existence since they were granted an expansion licence in 2018 - beating several other bids - and entered the league ahead of the 2019-20 season. Their bid was successful largely based on Western Melbourne Group's commitment to build a purpose-built stadium in Tarneit. That project was delayed by several years, with the club playing games in Geelong, Ballarat, Footscray and Tasmania, before a far smaller training ground, Ironbark Fields, was constructed. Despite the setbacks, Aloisi was able to lead the club to their first ALM championship in 2021-22 while the ALW team reached the grand final in their inaugural season the following year. "We've been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United's conditional licence," APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said in a statement. "This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won't comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed." Western United have been stripped of their A-Leagues licence, leaving the embattled club on the brink of folding and players and staff in limbo. Just three years after their first A-League Men championship, United have been in financial turmoil for months, with players and staff paid late in April, May and June while superannuation payments were also delayed. United, based in Tarneit, in Melbourne's western suburbs, have also been unable to register players due to a FIFA ban related to an ongoing dispute with former striker Aleksandar Prijovic. That ban meant new signing Jaiden Kucharski and captain Ben Garuccio could not be registered in time to play in United's Australia Cup round of 32 loss to Sydney FC. The club, led by chairman Jason Sourasis, had hoped their issues would be solved by a planned takeover by American group KAM Sports, which was announced in May - but that is yet to be completed. It meant the club's current ownership were unable to satisfy the financial criteria required to maintain their licence, and they now have seven days to appeal the decision. Football Australia's First Instance Board (FIB), an independent body responsible for club licensing, met on Thursday. A Football Australia (FA) spokesperson said the FIB had: "determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license. "As such Western United FC's license has been withdrawn, effective immediately. "Western United FC can appeal this decision to the Appeals Body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations. "This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia's ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders." Championship-winning coach and Socceroos great John Aloisi signed a new two-year deal in July, while it is also unclear what the decision means for players, who are receiving support from the players' union, Professional Footballers (the PFA). United's men's players are in pre-season while it is the off-season for ALW players. "The PFA was advised by both Football Australia and APL of the FIB's decision to withdraw Western United's A-League licence," a PFA spokesperson said in a statement."We have communicated directly with all players affected by this decision and will continue to do so as this matter progresses." United have experienced a turbulent existence since they were granted an expansion licence in 2018 - beating several other bids - and entered the league ahead of the 2019-20 season. Their bid was successful largely based on Western Melbourne Group's commitment to build a purpose-built stadium in Tarneit. That project was delayed by several years, with the club playing games in Geelong, Ballarat, Footscray and Tasmania, before a far smaller training ground, Ironbark Fields, was constructed. Despite the setbacks, Aloisi was able to lead the club to their first ALM championship in 2021-22 while the ALW team reached the grand final in their inaugural season the following year. "We've been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United's conditional licence," APL executive chairman Stephen Conroy said in a statement. "This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won't comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed."
The Guardian
08-08-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
A-League club Western United's licence withdrawn under Football Australia regulations
Financially beleaguered club Western United has had its licence withdrawn as part of Football Australia's regulatory processes, a step which threatens the outfit's existence just three years after it won the A-League Men championship. An independent board set up to assess each club against the licensing criteria decided on Thursday Western United has not met its requirements. It means the club is blocked from competing in FA-sanctioned competitions, including the A-Leagues. Football Australia issued a statement on Friday afternoon: 'Football Australia is able to confirm that the first instance board [FIB] – an independent body established under the National Club Licensing Regulations – has convened and determined that Western United FC has failed to meet the criteria required to be granted an A-League license. As such Western United FC's licence has been withdrawn, effective immediately. 'Western United FC can appeal this decision to the appeals body established under the regulations on certain grounds outlined in the regulations.' The club has told the Guardian it plans to appeal against the decision and will provide a response on Friday. The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) executive chair, Stephen Conroy, said his organisation awaits the outcome of the appeal process. 'We've been advised by Football Australia on the determination by FIB to withdraw Western United's conditional licence,' he said. 'This is an FA, AFC and regulatory process, and we won't comment further until the regulatory process and any appeal has been completed.' The licensing regulations are designed to 'safeguard the credibility and integrity' of Australian football competitions and cover criteria such as financial standards. Western United have been late in paying players this year and are currently subject to a Fifa-imposed transfer and registration ban. FA said the licensing process is designed to protect the game. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'This outcome, while regrettable, reflects Football Australia's ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity, stability, and fairness of competitions for all clubs, players, and stakeholders,' they said. The threat to the Tarneit's outfit existence comes as owners seek to finalise a takeover by the US-based Kaminski group, which was announced in May. The A-League Men is due to commence in late October. More to follow.
