Perry steps down as Sliema Wanderers face MFPA accusation

Keith Perry has stepped down from his role of honorary president at Sliema Wanderers, the Times of Malta can confirm.

Perry had been involved in the Sliema administration for several years. Last summer he decided to step down from his role of club president to make way for Jeffrey Farrugia to take the reins of the club.

Sources have told The Times of Malta that Perry decided to resign from his post for personal reasons.

Perry’s departure marks the second high-profile departure from the club’s administration this week as on Monday it was announced that Alex Muscat had also decided to step down from his role of team manager.

Meanwhile, the Malta Football Players Association (MFPA) has accused Sliema Wanderers for their breach of its contract obligations towards its players.

In a statement, the MFPA said, “It is with extreme displeasure that we report, that once again Sliema Wanderers FC is gravely in breach of its contractual obligations to its players and coaching staff, due to numerous outstanding salaries.”

According to the MFPA statement, the Sliema players have reported not receiving salaries for this season, while others are owed as far back as February 2020.

In addition, there are players who have moved on to other clubs and are still owed money for past seasons.

“Currently Sliema already faces a FIFA and MFA transfer ban due to outstanding balances for cases they lost against 3 players, all of which were represented by MFPA,” the statement continued.

“Without salaries, some full time players are literally struggling to feed themselves and their families. It is completely irresponsible and unacceptable that Clubs are allowed to offer new contracts and commence a season in the Maltese Premier league, whilst the dues from previous seasons have as yet not been paid.”

The MFPA continued by saying that, “MFPA has mantained and will continue to mantain, that better due diligence protocols should be established, to ensure that people at the helm of clubs are able to fulfil the contractual obligations they themselves negotiate.”

“Clubs who gravely and/or repeatedly fail to fulfil what is legally and contractually owed to their employees must face repercussions. Anything else would effectively negate the financial fair play rules and is unjust not only to players but also to other Premier League clubs who abide by their contractual obligations.”

The MFPA explained that a number of players have already alerted the club of its various breaches, in the hopes that the issue is resolved.

They have also sent an official email, requesting Sliema to comply with its contractual obligations.

“No feedback has as yet been received. Should full payment not be made within the regulatory established time frame, there will be no option but to take legal steps to recover salaries owed,” the MFPA said.

“As always MFPA will be fully backing the players and coaches who seek assistance and will support the players through this difficult period.”