KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 12 — The Football Coaches Association of Malaysia (PJBM) has called on all parties to treat local and foreign coaches with the utmost respect and take care of their well-being following media reports that a foreign coach is "struggling to make ends meet”.

PJBM caretaker president Datuk Ong Kim Swee said it strongly condemned any behaviour that neglects the welfare of coaches.

"It has come to our attention that the welfare of a foreign coach, who had devoted his time and expertise to our footballing community, has been neglected by his previous employer.

"While we understand that each situation may have its unique circumstances, we wish to emphasis that the welfare of coaches, whether they are from our country or abroad, must be treated with the utmost respect and consideration,” he said in a statement today.

He said this in response to local media reports on Thursday (August 10) that a foreign coach, believed to be Bernhardt whose services had been terminated by Super League club Kelantan FC, was struggling to make ends meet around the Klang Valley over the past few weeks.

However, Bernhardt has since come out and denied the report.

Kim Swee, who is also the Sabah FC head coach, said PJBM believes that coaches play a vital role in shaping the future of football in Malaysia by contributing their knowledge and experience.

The former Harimau Malaya squad head coach said the dedication and passion of coaches deserve to be met with a reciprocal commitment to their well-being, including fair remuneration, appropriate living conditions and overall support.

"As an association, we are committed to advocating for the welfare of coaches and collaborating with all football community stakeholders to ensure such instances of neglect are addressed promptly and effectively.

"We encourage transparency, open dialogue and accountability in all matters related to the welfare of coaches,” he said.

The PJBM, he said, also welcomes all members of the football fraternity to join them in championing the welfare of coaches, irrespective of where they are from. — Bernama