NSFC TO RESTRUCTURE SALARIES FOR NEXT SEASON

SEREMBAN, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) will restructure the team’s salary framework by setting guidelines and criteria for player and coaching staff wages next season, said NSFC chairman Tunku Syed Razman Tunku Syed Idrus Al-Qadri.

Tunku Syed Razman, who is also Negeri Sembilan Football Association (NSFA) president, said the club is undergoing a transition phase to rebuild its structure, which includes salary restructuring, introducing a football philosophy, a new business plan, infrastructure upgrades, youth development empowerment, and strengthening stakeholder relationships.

“The salary issue is an annual challenge. Given our budget, wages cannot be excessively high, and this has been a problem this season.

“We see that the team is not solid enough, lacks a proper striker, yet the wages are quite high. We cannot afford this, and the team remains weak. We are making improvements for the next season,” he told reporters after chairing the 90th NSFA Annual Congress here today.

Regarding the squad’s current performance under head coach K. Nanthakumar, where NSFC sit 12th with nine points, he hopes the team can improve their performances and secure victories in the remaining seven matches to at least finish ninth in the league.

Commenting on rumours that several Super League teams may not continue competing next season, Tunku Syed Razman affirmed that NSFC is determined to remain in the league, with management focused on making improvements.

Meanwhile, NSFC chief executive officer Muhammad Faliq Firdaus Muhammad Rom said that salary rates for import players and national players for next season are being reviewed and discussed with the team’s top management.

“This season, we implemented a nearly 47 per cent salary reduction due to financial constraints. Once we stabilise the club’s salary structure, there will be set criteria for salaries next season.

He said the new salary rates will be based on player contracts and performance, with input from the team’s technical director.

Muhammad Faliq said the team’s goal for next season is to recruit several national-level players, with discussions ongoing.

“There will be changes in the squad next season, taking into account our foreign player policy. So far, we have signed five players under 20 years old, two players under 23, and some players will be retained. The rest will be senior players to balance the squad,” he added.

-- BERNAMA